USC Keeps Rolling, Routs CSUN 96–61

After USC opened the season impressively at 3–0, a victory was expected at Galen Center Monday night against Cal State Northridge. A victory is what the Trojans got to start off Rivalry Week in Southern California as it beat the Matadors by 36.

USC’s first 4–0 start to the season since 2000–01 was pretty much wrapped even before the half. The three ball was on fire Monday night, as USC dropped a season-high 13 three pointers. Katin Reinhardt led the way with five treys, en route to 17 total points. But, per usual, it was far from an individual effort that won the game for the Trojans.

Again Jordan McLaughlin led the game in scoring, with 20 points. He also added six assists. He stroked the ball efficiently from three, shooting 4-for-5, and added a plethora of gorgeous passes.

That being said, the biggest takeaway, according to Coach Enfield after the game, was the high level of passing from his team. After just assisting on 21 shots last game out against New Mexico, USC had a season high 24 dimes on 37 shots. Fourteen of those assists alone came from the backcourt combo of McLaughlin and Jacobs.

Jacobs, again, was all over the stat sheet, adding 12 rebounds, a steal and six points to his eight assists.

USC also got another strong game from freshman Bennie Boatwright, who added 12 points. While the starters played strong again, the bench had a breakout game. The Trojans’ bench had their biggest game of the year with 39 points.

What’s impressive about the Trojans’ 4–0 start is that this 35-point win isn’t even their largest margin of victory this season. (USC defeated San Diego on opening night by 38 points.)

It’s one thing to start the season 4–0, but another to be dominating teams by these kinds of margins. Top-25 teams are the ones typically blowing out opponents like this, not mid-level teams like USC. That has to be the biggest cause for optimism at Southern Cal.

What lies next for USC will be their biggest test to date. The Orlando Classic kicks off later this week where USC will kick things off against #2o Wichita State. After that they’ll face either #23 Xavier or Alabama. The other side of the bracket will have the Trojans playing their final game against one of #17 Notre Dame, Monmouth — who the Trojans defeated in their second game — Dayton or Iowa.

These are, for the most part, very strong programs that will let Andy Enfield learn more about his team than the previous four games combined. This is where USC can make a real statement against some of the country’s biggest talents. Should they have a strong week, say 2–1, everyone in Troy should be very excited for Pac-12 play and the rest of the season.