USC Men's Water Polo Advances to MPSF Title Game with 11-10 Win Over Stanford

Saturday, November 22

Stanford, Calif.

3:00 p.m.

USC

20-3

Stanford

16-7

Stanford (M)

USC (M)

Photo by: John McGillen

USC Men's Water Polo Advances to MPSF Title Game with 11-10 Win Over Stanford

November 22, 2025 | Men's Water Polo

Box Score MPSF Tournament Central

STANFORD, Calif. -- The No. 2 USC mens water polo team took down No. 3 Stanford, 11-10, in the semifinals of the MPSF Tournament to advance to the conference championship game.

The Trojans used a strong first half and then held off the Cardinal late to beat the tournament hosts in their own pool. It was USC's fourth win over Stanford in four tries this season. The Trojans will face No. 1 UCLA in the championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. USC will be going for its fourth straight MPSF Tournament title.

The Trojans held a 6-3 lead at halftime against Stanford, outscoring the Cardinal in both of the first two quarters. Stanford put up five goals in the third to claw its way back into the match, tying the game with :27 seconds left in the period, only for USC's Strahinja Krstic to score with :12 seconds left on the clock to give the Trojans a 9-8 advantage heading into the fourth.

Mihailo Vukazic gave USC a two-goal lead early in the fourth and the Trojan defense kept Stanford out of the net until the 2:59 mark in the final period. The teams traded goals over the next two minutes, with the Cardinal pulling to within one (11-10) at the 1:03 mark, but USC did not allow Stanford to get a shot off in the final minute of play.

Stefan Brankovic led the Trojans with three goals in the game and both Evan Ausmus and Krstic had two goals. Krstic also drew four exclusions.

Sunday's championship matchup with the Bruins will be also be at Avery Aquatic Center on the Stanford campus, and will be broadcast on Overnight. Check the USC men's water polo schedule page for more details.