USC Kicks Off Conference Play With Convincing Victory
Trojans get a road win at Washington State
After a strong 11–2 non-conference play record, USC began Pac-12 play on the road against Washington State Friday night.
Going into the game, the main question surrounding this program was whether their impressive start could translate to conference wins, especially on the road.
USC came out guns blazing with an intensity on defense. Washington State could not get into rhythm or their offense, which led to plenty of open court chances for the Trojans.
Despite missing on their first three attempts from downtown, they went on to hit eight of their next 13 attempts, shooting 50% from the game — another strong came from deep for USC.
The Trojans forced eight first half turnovers and quickly doubled up the Cougars 50–25. Moreover, the first half was a highlight real extravaganza, with plays that the recruiting team should compile into a video for future recruiting prospects.
An assault of head fakes and shake-and-bakes led to some broken ankles and open jumpers for Jordan McLaughlin, who scored 16 of his 19 points in the first half. The highlight reel also saw Elijah Stewart put Josh Hawkinson on a poster, and Julian Jacobs added an absurd reverse dunk himself.
Nikola Jovanovic led all players with 20 points and added 12 rebounds for his 5th double-double of the season. USC also got 20 points off the bench from Elijah Stewart and Chimezie Metu, as seven Trojans had at least eight points.
USC, for now, is certainly on the right track as Pac-12 play is underway. What was most important about the Trojans victory, though, was getting that first win, and getting the monkey of their back with a road win in particular
It’s a wonderful first step in the right direction for a team that considers themselves a tournament team. That being said, Washington State did not play well, and reckon to be one of the bottom half teams in the conference. If the Trojans can defeat the Washington Huskies on Sunday, all the better.
