The Trojans even their record at 3-3 after grinding out a win over Cal State Fullerton.
Click here for the recap and final stats.
Going Big
The Trojans found their best offense in the paint tonight going inside to Darion Clark (10 points and 14 rebounds) and Nikola Jovanovic (13 points and 11 rebounds) who each recorded double-doubles for the first time this season. Clark was the more efficient of the two making 5/7 shots. Head coach Andy Enfield called the sophomore a "big time competitor" who "throws his body everywhere." Clark feels like he is finally getting back into game shape after sitting out last season.
Pushing Out
USC had great success in its 2-3 zone defense forcing the Titans to shoot 32.1% as a team. The Trojans also won the turnover battle taking advantage of 17 Fullerton giveaways. "Overall, we played good defense, challenged shots and rebounded the ball," said Enfield. Clark and Jovanovic dominated inside defensively as well combining for seven blocks, including a huge one late by Clark. The Trojans needed several key stops down the stretch before sealing the victory on a Julian Jacobs breakaway dunk in the final seconds.
Time to Get Better
While the head coach was happy with the win, he knows it was not artistic. USC played four games in six days with a cross-country flight yesterday leaving the team "exhausted," according to Enfield. However, he still expects them to make the easy shots that they are missing including wide open layups and free throws. "At some point, you have to step up and make shots," said Enfield bluntly after the game. USC does not play again until Sunday at New Mexico, so the coaching staff is looking forward to "digesting" the torrid first two weeks of the season and helping the team learn from its mistakes.
Here are the SnappyTV highlights:
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
