University Southern California Trojans
November 09, 2026 | Men's Basketball
The sophomore averaged 25.5 points per game and set two career highs last week.
ROSEMONT, Ill. — Coming off a week where he set two career highs, sophomore guard Alijah Arenas of the No. 21 USC Men's Basketball team was named the Big Ten Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.
This is the second Big Ten weekly award of Arenas' career and the first time he has been named player of the week.
In two games last week, Arenas averaged 25.5 points — on 56.3% shooting — and 6.0 rebounds per game to help the Trojans get off to a 2-0 start. So far, Arenas has been one of the nation's best offensive players: His 25.5 points per game rank No. 15 nationally, while his 18 made field goals rank No. 33 and his 51 points rank No. 55.
During last Monday's season-opener against Milwaukee, Arenas scored 21 points and set a career high with eight rebounds while going 64.3% (9-for-14) from the field, the latter of which is the most efficient shooting night of his collegiate career.
Arenas outdid himself on Sunday night with 30 points while shooting 50% (9-for-18) from the field against Wichita State. He also went 12-for-14 from the line; his 12 makes tied his career high. His 18 first-half points helped the Trojans battle back from an 11-point deficit.
Arenas and the Trojans wrap up a two-game road trip at former Pac-12 foe California this Wednesday. ESPN2 will televise the game at 8:00 p.m. PT. All pertinent information is on the men's basketball team's schedule page on usctrojans.com.
This is the second Big Ten weekly award of Arenas' career and the first time he has been named player of the week.
In two games last week, Arenas averaged 25.5 points — on 56.3% shooting — and 6.0 rebounds per game to help the Trojans get off to a 2-0 start. So far, Arenas has been one of the nation's best offensive players: His 25.5 points per game rank No. 15 nationally, while his 18 made field goals rank No. 33 and his 51 points rank No. 55.
During last Monday's season-opener against Milwaukee, Arenas scored 21 points and set a career high with eight rebounds while going 64.3% (9-for-14) from the field, the latter of which is the most efficient shooting night of his collegiate career.
Arenas outdid himself on Sunday night with 30 points while shooting 50% (9-for-18) from the field against Wichita State. He also went 12-for-14 from the line; his 12 makes tied his career high. His 18 first-half points helped the Trojans battle back from an 11-point deficit.
Arenas and the Trojans wrap up a two-game road trip at former Pac-12 foe California this Wednesday. ESPN2 will televise the game at 8:00 p.m. PT. All pertinent information is on the men's basketball team's schedule page on usctrojans.com.
Players Mentioned
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Sunday, November 08
