The Trojans finish 9-4 in the non-conference with the fifth best RPI in the Pac-12.
Click here for the recap and box score.
Poster Boy
After playing just 13 minutes combined in his first two games back, senior SG J.T. Terrell was able to get into a rhythm today scoring 18 points on 7/13 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench. "It feels great to be back," said Terrell, who missed most of the non-conference slate due to academic ineligibility. "Every second I am on the court, I am going to play hard on both ends." Terrell came into the season as the Trojans' showcase attraction, and they will need his scoring and athleticism in Pac-12 play. "He's a senior and this is his time," said head coach Andy Enfield about his streaky scorer. "I was more impressed with his shot selection tonight because he has worked hard on it. We're trying to get his game to even out."
Playing Like a Kidd
With Terrell and Byron Wesley combining to score 38 points, PG Pe'Shon Howard only took one shot. He finished with a Jason Kidd-like box score (0 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds). With Terrell back, Howard is free to focus on distributing the basketball instead of shouldering the scoring load as he did in the dramatic win at Dayton. "He played very well tonight. Against Dayton, he carried us," said Enfield about his buzzer-beating guard. "He played a great game against Dayton, and tonight, I thought he played well."
Game On
The Trojans put together an NCAA-worthy non-conference resume, but the schedule and intensity will only heighten from here. USC opens Pac-12 play at UCLA (January 5 at Noon) before hosting Arizona State (January 9 at 7 p.m.) and No. 1 Arizona (January 12 at 6 p.m.). "This is the fun part," said Enfield. "That's about as tough a schedule as it gets. We need to keep improving and also be more specific with game planning." The Trojans won at Pauley Pavilion last year, so the veterans have some sage advice for the freshmen. "You got to be ready for a very hostile atmosphere," said Terrell. "Basically, just come in and focus. Nothing extra added to it at all."
Here are the SnappyTV highlights as USC scored 53 points in the second half:
University Southern California Trojans
Monday, July 06
Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 23
Monday, June 22
