USC and Brown Cancel Basketball Game Following Campus Tragedy

A scheduled men’s basketball game between the University of Southern California (USC) and Brown University has been canceled following a tragic shooting on Brown’s campus that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The game was set to take place on March 3, 2024, at USC’s Galen Center.

In a statement released on Tuesday, USC head coach Eric Musselman expressed deep sorrow over the event, stating, “We are heartbroken by the tragedy on Brown University’s campus and extend our sincere condolences to the families and the entire Brown University community. We are thinking of them and wishing them strength during this extremely difficult time.”

In light of the circumstances, USC has arranged to play a different opponent, Division III UC Santa Cruz, at 1 p.m. on the same day. Musselman thanked UC Santa Cruz for agreeing to participate on such short notice, ensuring that fans still have the opportunity to enjoy a game.

All tickets purchased for the USC versus Brown game will be honored for the match against UC Santa Cruz. The university announced that further details would be communicated to ticket holders shortly.

Brown University also canceled its women’s basketball game against Monmouth, which was scheduled for the same day. Both cancellations mark the institutions’ response to the recent violence, which has shaken the Brown community.

The shooting incident has prompted discussions regarding campus safety and mental health support for students. The leading scorer for Brown, Landon Lewis, a senior forward from Harvard-Westlake, has been averaging 12.6 points per game this season and will not be participating in any games until the situation stabilizes.

As the campus communities of both universities navigate this challenging time, support efforts are underway to assist those affected by the tragedy. Fans and players alike are reminded of the importance of community and resilience in the face of such devastating events.