Upcoming Match: Montana State 12/15/2024 | 5:00 p.m. Big Ten Network ESPN LA 710 Dec. 15 (Sun) / 5:00 p.m. Montana State SEATTLE – USC Men’s Basketball (6-4, 1-1 Big Ten) embarked on their inaugural Big Ten Conference away game against the University of Washington Huskies. Right from the initial basket, the Trojans maintained command […]
Upcoming Match:
Montana State
12/15/2024 | 5:00 p.m.
Big Ten Network
ESPN LA 710
Dec. 15 (Sun) / 5:00 p.m.
Montana State
SEATTLE – USC Men’s Basketball (6-4, 1-1 Big Ten) embarked on their inaugural Big Ten Conference away game against the University of Washington Huskies. Right from the initial basket, the Trojans maintained command of the game, never relinquishing their lead to claim their first Big Ten victory with a score of 85-61. “We came on the road and secured our first road win while leading for 39:43. Washington didn’t have a lead at all during the game. That’s quite unusual on the road,” remarked Head Coach Eric Musselman.. “I viewed this as a progression for our squad. We showcased strong play against Oregon for 30 minutes, but faltered for a brief spell—though that was against a ranked opponent. We concentrated on many positives despite our loss to Oregon, and I believe we returned to deliver our strongest performance of the season.”
As they took to the floor at the Alaska Airlines Arena, the Trojans were primed for the task ahead, eager for their first Big Ten victory. USC burst out strong, winning the jump ball and netting the first points with a layup from Wesley Yates III. This ignited enthusiasm within the team as Saint Thomas followed with two baskets, coupled with scoring from Desmond Claude at the free-throw line. Both teams exchanged baskets, but the Trojans swiftly put an end to that. Chibuzo Agbo aided the squad with five points during an 8-0 run, further extending their lead over the Huskies. The Trojans continued to press forward, closing the first half with another nine-point run that allowed them to head to the locker room with a score of 51-25, which was double that of their opponent.
Washington faced a scoring drought of 2:40 which carried into the opening minute of the second half as the Trojans’ defense kept them from making shots. Although the opposing team managed a brief run, it was short-lived as USC ramped up their defensive efforts once more, resulting in another three-minute scoring dry spell for the Huskies. USC kept the pressure on, with their offense lighting up, pushing the Trojans’ lead to a season-high of 31. The Huskies fought back and went on an 8-0 run before Thomas would realign his team. That would be the last opportunity USC would allow Washington to close the gap. The Trojans embarked on one final run that secured their lead over the Huskies, culminating in an 85-61 triumph.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- For the eighth time this season, USC introduced a new starting lineup, featuring Desmond Claude, Saint Thomas, Wesley Yates III, Chibuzo Agbo, and Josh Cohen as today’s starters, marking the first occasion this season that the Trojans donned their Cardinal jerseys.
- This marks the fourth instance this season where four Trojans scored in double digits. USC is currently 3-1 under these circumstances.
- Wesley Yates III netted the first basket of the match in his inaugural career start for USC. Yates III, a transfer from Washington, concluded his return to the Alaska Airlines Arena with 19 points, four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
- Rashaun Agee showcased a strong performance following his absence in the team’s initial Big Ten game, leading USC with seven rebounds along with 15 points, two blocks, and two assists.
- USC was ahead 51-25 at halftime, marking the seventh occasion this season in which they led at the break. The Trojans hold a record of 5-2 in such situations.
- The Trojans’ 51 points in the first half ties their highest scoring output for a half this season, matching their first-half score against UT Arlington.
- USC’s 26-point advantage at halftime represents their largest lead entering the second half this season, and it is also the first time this season that USC has doubled their opponent’s score by halftime.
- This marks the second consecutive game where the Trojans induced nine turnovers in the first half. The only match where they caused more turnovers before halftime was against Idaho State when they caused 10.
- Saint Thomas achieved a new season-high in points, finishing the game with 19. Additionally, he tied for the most assists and steals on the team, recording four and two, respectively.
- Leading the Trojans was Desmond Claude, who recorded 20 points on just six attempts. He also added four rebounds and four assists. Claude nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to cap off the first half.
- USC’s 85 points mark their second-best offensive showing of the season, behind their 98-point performance against UT Arlington.
- With this victory, USC improves to 6-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten action. This game also signified the Trojans’ first Big Ten win and their 10th consecutive victory over the Huskies.
- Coach Eric Musselman now holds a 2-0 record in his coaching career against the Huskies.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Trojans will head back to Galen Center to commence a four-game home stretch. This segment will commence with a non-conference contest against Montana State, scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Fans unable to attend can catch the game on the Big Ten Network.
