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Onyeka Okongwu Records Second Double-Double as USC Downs Portland, 76-65
November 08, 2019 | Men's Basketball, Features
Okongwu had 20 points, 13 rebounds and a school-record-tying eight blocks in a season-opening win over Florida A&M, becoming the first freshman to post a double-double in his debut since Taj Gibson in 2006.
He was dynamic down the stretch for the Trojans (2-0), who found themselves in a 48-all tie early in the second half. They never gave up the lead, but the Pilots (1-1) stayed within two until Okongwu took over.
He scored six points in a 9-0 spurt that extended USC's lead to 63-52. Okongwu's best move was a dunk after teammate Quinton Adlesh got blocked, USC controlled the rebound and got the ball to Okongwu to finish with a flourish.
USC 56, Portland 52 with 10:03 to go@BigO21_ gets into double figures on this two-hand jam!
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 9, 2019
📺: @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/wDerRnjSOC
In all, Okongwu had 12 of USC's final 19 points. He helped the Trojans dominate the boards, 42-27.
Grad transfer Isaiah White led the Pilots with 22 points, making six of their 13 3-pointers.
White hit consecutive 3-pointers to open the second half. Malcolm Porter's left-handed drive across the lane tied the game 48-all, but the Pilots' shooting cooled off over the final minutes.
BIG PICTURE
Portland: The Pilots are getting offense from nearly everyone in their lineup. They return two starters, nine lettermen and have added five newcomers to a team that was picked to finish 10th in the West Coast Conference. Among their top scorers is Porter, son of Pilots coach and former NBA player Terry Porter.USC: The Trojans started slowly before putting together a big second-half that resulted in a 29-point, season-opening win against Florida A&M. Okongwu didn't come close to matching the near-triple-double he put up in his debut, but he is already living up to the hype that accompanied him from high school. Fellow freshman Isaiah Mobley has been impressive in the early going, too, and the Trojans are showing depth and versatility that should take them far.
BUCKET ➕1⃣ pic.twitter.com/yecqjREtn2
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 9, 2019
UP NEXT
USC: Hosts South Dakota State on Tuesday in third straight home game to open season.Click Here to purchase tickets to 2019-20 home games.
