Basketball Game Preview: USC-MAE Trojans vs. Downtown Magnets Suns

USC-MAE is 1-9 against Downtown Magnets since December of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Trojans will venture away from home to square off against the Suns at 2:30 p.m. USC-MAE knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past four games -- so hopefully Downtown Magnets likes a good challenge.

While USC-MAE didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-9), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on University Prep Value with a sharp 55-33 victory on Thursday. The Trojans have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three matchups by 22 points or more this season.

Adrion Gilbert

Points

12/04/25 vs University Prep Value	19
12/03/25 @ Central City Value	28
12/01/25 @ West Adams	26
11/20/25 @ Smidt Tech	17

USC-MAE's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Adrion Gilbert, who almost dropped a double-double with 19 points and nine boards, and Andrew Johnson, who shot 55% from the field en route to 16 points and six rebounds. Gilbert's big performance that afternoon made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least 17 points. Another player making a difference was Liam Gilbert, who posted ten points.

USC-MAE was working as a unit and finished the game with 14 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since the start of last season.

Meanwhile, Downtown Magnets can bid farewell to their three-game losing streak thanks to their game on Friday. They walked away with an 80-72 win over San Fernando. The Suns' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

USC-MAE's record is now 4-0. As for Downtown Magnets, their record now sits at 2-3.

USC-MAE came up short against Downtown Magnets in their previous meeting back in February, falling 41-30. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.