USC returned to the Galen Center on Wednesday and started the game completely flat before rallying in the second half to set up another close finish. However, the Trojans failed to capitalize when it counted and ultimately fell to Oregon.
Heartbreak Warfare
The Trojans battled back from a 13-point deficit with about seven minutes to go in the game and had a chance to tie in the final minute. However, Khalil Dukes missed a three with about 20 seconds left, crushing the Trojans' opportunity at finally finishing on the victorious end of a buzzer beater. USC has now lost its ninth-straight game with four of those losses coming down to the final possession. Six of the last seven losses were by single digits adding to the Trojans' frustration. "Our better offensive players have had the ball at the end of the game and they've had pretty decent shots and chances to make for other people or for themselves. We just haven't been able to convert," said head coach Andy Enfield.
Hump Day Woes
USC started the first half 2-for-13 from the field with most of the starters unable to make easy shots. The last time the Trojans were in the Galen Center they struggled in the first half against Utah, only scoring 12 points. "We got off to a slow start tonight because we missed about six or seven layups from two to three feet," said Enfield. "I thought it deflated our guys. They lost all confidence in themselves because we were missing these easy shots. Then, Oregon was making their shots so we got behind early." Many players are still recovering from a stomach virus that spread throughout the team during their NorCal road trip last weekend. Luis Gavrilovic missed Wednesday's game due to this virus while other players missed practice at the start of the week to recover. Julian Jacobs has been playing with a sprained ankle, and the Trojans received another blow on Wednesday when point guard Jordan McLaughlin left the game holding his left shoulder that he had surgery on last year.
Captain Jacobs
The Trojans struggled all game to make shots, but it was captain Julian Jacobs who kept USC in the game. Not only was he knocking down shots with a team-high 18 points, but he also increased the tempo and momentum of the game with his aggressive play. "Julian just decided to take it upon himself to be more aggressive and get in the lane and finish at the rim while also having six assists," said Enfield. The captain played the most minutes on the team and finished with six rebounds and six assists to accompany his 18 points. "I just feel like my job is to be aggressive," said Jacobs. "When I'm not being aggressive, I feel that I'm at a disadvantage and the team is too."
The Trojans will look to recover and rebound against the Oregon State Beavers this Valentine's Day at 2:00 p.m. at the Galen Center.
