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No Easy Victories
After a quick 7-0 start to the second half, the Trojans appeared to be cruising to victory with a 15-point lead. USC got sloppy and the lead evaporated in 4:41. Instead, Bob Cantu had to sweat out his first win until the final horn. "It feels great," said the interim head coach. "When a 15-point lead starts evaporating, your blood pressure definitely goes up a little bit. I am just happy for our guys." The players delivered in the clutch to seal the momentous victory for their new leader. "It's extremely exciting," said sophomore Byron Wesley. "Cantu has been here for 12 years now, to be a part of his first win, I couldn't be more happy for him."Wild Finish
Two nights after a heartbreaking loss to Oregon, USC got the better of a wild final sequence. First, Eric Wise came up with a steal and a bucket to put the Trojans up 67-66 with 26 seconds to go. After an Oregon State answer, USC needed a hero and Aaron Fuller finished off the game-winner. "I don't even really remember to be honest with you," said Cantu about the final sequence. "Finally, we were able to turn a corner and get it over there and we got a great high percentage shot." Terrell penetrated the Beavers' 1-3-1, which gave USC fits all night, before dishing to Fuller, who was in the game for defense.
Play the Percentages
While USC has been offensively challenged for much of the last two years, the Trojans are leading the conference in field goal percentage during Pac-12 play. Tonight, USC made 49% of its shots thanks to efficient outings by Wesley (7/13) and Wise (7/12). "I emphasized to everybody to be aggressive and try to get to the basket," Cantu said. Wesley loves the new coach's offensive philosophy, which allows more freedom for the players. "It's given me a little bit more confidence," he said. "I know if I take some bad shots, Cantu is going to tell me to keep going, keep being aggressive."
Next up: USC travels to Arizona State on Thursday on Pac-12 Networks
