Basketball season is officially underway, and the Trojans are off to the right start as they absolutely crushed the San Diego Toreros, 83-45, in their season opener at the Galen Center. Point guard Jordan McLaughlin, who spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery, led USC in scoring with 20 points, and sophomore Elijah Stewart posted his first career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
First Look
The Trojans were extremely impressive in their season opener as USC fans got their first look at this vastly improved team, including newcomers Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu. Boatwright scored the first points of the night for USC with a beautiful three-pointer, but he really didn't shine until the second half due to early foul trouble. Metu immediately established a presence in the paint, finishing with five points, five boards and five blocks.
"I was very happy with them. They got their feet wet in Division I basketball," said head coach Andy Enfield. USC, which lost its season opener last year, won by 38 points on Friday, its largest winning margin since December 2012. "It felt differently because we're a better basketball team. We've got more talent and we're playing better as a team," said the head coach on the Trojans' dominating performance. "It is just one game, but after going through preseason and the offseason, it's nice to go out and play someone different than ourselves."
Sophomore Sensations
USC's efforts on Friday were led by two sophomores who demonstrated just how much they've grown since this time last year. McLaughlin was a play-maker on both sides of the ball acting as "floor general" as Enfield deemed him after the game. He racked up 20 points and was 8-for-12 from the field.
"While I was out this offseason, I watched a lot of film and figured out where I can play fast and play smart so I learned how to slow my game down," said McLaughlin. "This offseason, I got in the gym a lot and it showed tonight."
The most improved player on the court Friday was definitely athletic sophomore guard Elijah Stewart. He posted 14 points (12 in the first half) and grabbed 10 boards to finish the game with his first career double-double. Enfield noted the sophomore's dedication in the offseason to ball-handling, physicality, defense, confidence, but more than anything, rebounding.
"He's a big-time athlete running and jumping and we need that on a consistent basis. A lot of our bigs are boxing out so we need our guards to be big rebounders this year," said the head coach. "We made that a goal for Elijah to improve in that area and hopefully that will continue."
No Fly Zone
The San Diego Toreros could not get anything going offensively on Friday night in large part due to a much improved Trojan defense. USC held San Diego to 25 percent shooting from the field. Led by newcomer Chimezie Metu, the Trojans had more blocks on Friday (11) than any single game last season (9).
"He is an elite athlete. He provided outstanding protection at the rim," said Enfield on Metu. "It is always nice a few times a game, when you get beat and someone gets by you, to have someone there who can change a shot."
Here are the Snappy TV highlights from Friday's victory including freshman Bennie "Buckets" Boatwright's first collegiate three-pointer, a monstrous block from freshman Chimezie Metu and a soaring dunk from Stewart...
