The Milwaukee Panthers opened their 2025-26 season with a daunting road test against the 22nd-ranked Southern California Trojans, suffering a 95-63 defeat at the Galen Center. For a mid-major program looking to rebound from a difficult previous campaign, facing a ranked opponent with elite interior presence was a steep challenge. USC leveraged its significant size edge, including 7-foot freshmen Adonis and Darius Ratliff, to pull away with a decisive 19-2 run in the first half, establishing a lead that never wavered.
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Despite the lopsided final score, the night belonged to UWM’s young state star, who made a strong impression in his debut for the Panthers. The recruit showcased his ability to compete at a high level, providing a spark in Milwaukee’s offensive attack while navigating the physicality of USC’s frontcourt. His performance offered a glimmer of hope for the Panthers as they seek to rebuild their program, demonstrating that the team has promising talent ready to step up in future matchups.
UWM head coach Bart Lundy acknowledged the gap in talent, describing USC as an “NBA team” with an unusual combination of athleticism, size, and skill. “Anybody that wasn’t here live, you don’t understand how much length and positional size they have,” Lundy noted in his postgame interview. Adonis Ratliff led the Trojans with 25 points and six rebounds, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range, underscoring the depth of USC’s roster. For Milwaukee, the loss serves as a clear benchmark for the work ahead, but the debut of their new star provides a foundation for optimism.
Source: Yahoo Sports
