Unintimidated USC Improves to 5–0,Takes Down No. 20 Wichita State
The Trojans are off to their best start in years with an upset over the Shockers
The University of Southern California came to Orlando undefeated and ready to test themselves against some of the country’s best teams. They wouldn’t have to wait long either with an opening match up against the #20 Wichita State Shockers in which they beat the 20th-ranked team in the nation 72–69.
While the Shockers were missing their point guard and leader Fred VanVleet, they still resembled a strong squad not to be taken lightly. USC certainly were not taking them as such, as the Trojans rolled out to an early 8–2 lead.
Freshman Bennie Boatwright continued his strong play early on this season with five early points, stretching the floor yet again. With seven points, four boards and a block in the half, Boatwright had his best all-around half.
Nikola Jovanovic was also a major contributor in the first half, but none more so then who else, but Jordan McLaughlin. The sophomore guard was lighting it up early and often, en route to 10 first half points.
Yet USC quickly saw their eight point advantage, at one point 25–17, evaporate. The Trojans were extremely sloppy with the ball, looking much like the team of a year ago. Their 14 first half turnovers were by far a season-high for a half. In fact, USC came in averaging just 12.5 turnovers per game.
The Trojans also suffered immensely, again, on the defensive glass. Nine offensive rebounds, along with the turnovers, kept the Shockers in the game while they shot an abysmal 33 percent from the field, and just 3-14 from deep.
USC’s defense suffocated great shot attempts and held star man Ron Baker to only six first half points. Still, the Trojans led 30–29 at the half, and coach Andy Enfield had to feel that if his team could take care of the ball in the second half, they’d come out victorious. A statement win was there for the taking. And a statement win they would get.
USC overcame a 12–0 run by Wichita State, that saw the Shockers lead 49–43 at one point, going on a 15–5 run of their own. Then, they got help from one of their freshman.
Boatwright picked up where he left off, finishing the game with a career high 22 points. The freshman was flinging up threes, thanks to great ball movement that would make Gregg Popovich smile.
The Trojans dug deep and found enough heart to will themselves through long stretches of adversity. Big threes from Bennie, Katin Reinhardt, and Elijah Stewart opened the game up — enough to overcome nine second half turnovers.
It almost was too good to be true for USC, though, thanks to the Shockers senior stud Ron Baker. Baker went off for 25 points and five assists, but Enfield and the defense adjusted well, getting the ball out of the senior’s hands late in the game.
Despite a double-digit advantage from points off turnovers for the Shockers, USC pulled through after a long prayer by Shockers in the final seconds went unanswered.
USC has gained much from this game, especially from the turnovers and poor, late-game execution. The Trojans secured their first win over a ranked opponent since 2013 and the first such win of Enfield’s time in Cardinal and Gold.
USC got big contributions, as well, from Julian Jacobs’ eight assists and Jovanovic’s double-double of 14 points and 11 boards. Eight blocks and 11 steals altogether as a team was what led the way for a stout defense that frustrated the Shockers.
The Trojans shouldn’t get too far ahead of themselves now, as they won’t be overlooked anymore, even if they weren’t to begin with. The 5–0 team will be right back at it again with another great test tomorrow when they take on No. 23 Xavier. With a win, USC would be in the championship game of the AdvoCare Invitational.
You can reach Staff Reporter Max Holm here, or follow him @MaxSHHolm
