A high‑stakes non‑conference showdown
The Red Raiders and the Trojans will square off on December 13 inside Dickies Arena, a venue that has already witnessed a memorable encounter between the two programs in 2018‑19. This year’s meeting is part of the USLBM Coast‑to‑Coast Challenge, a signature event that brings together some of the region’s most promising teams.
Texas Tech enters the game under the guidance of head coach Grant McCasland, who has steered the squad to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. The Red Raiders are looking to extend that streak, having finished the 2025‑26 season ranked as high as No. 10 in the AP Top 25 and currently sitting at No. 21.
USC, coached by Eric Musselman, is aiming for its first tournament berth under Musselman’s leadership. The Trojans return a core that includes senior guard Rodney Rice and junior forward Jacob Cofie, while also benefiting from the experience of three McDonald’s All‑Americans who were part of the previous season’s roster.
The Red Raiders will showcase a blend of proven talent and new blood. Returning standouts such as JT Toppin, a consensus All‑America, and Donovan Atwell, who set a new program record for three‑point field goals, will be joined by nine newcomers, among them Darrion Williams, a former Big 12 All‑Star, and Cruz Davis, who averaged more than 20 points per game last season.
Texas Tech’s non‑conference slate also includes home contests against Illinois, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State, providing additional opportunities to fine‑tune before conference play. The team’s recent 2‑2 record at Dickies Arena, highlighted by a 78‑63 victory over USC in the 2018‑19 Hall of Fame Classic, adds a layer of familiarity to the upcoming matchup.
The event, presented by Visit Fort Worth and branded as the USLBM Coast‑to‑Coast Challenge, underscores the basketball enthusiasm in the DFW Metroplex. Fans can expect a competitive game that not only entertains but also offers a preview of how these programs will shape the upcoming season.