| Trojans Wire
People will look at USC men’s basketball versus Troy on Thursday night and conclude that the Troy Trojans — from Alabama, not LA — are a cupcake. Yet, Troy’s most recent game would suggest that is not the case at all. Troy was a huge underdog at San Diego State and took a late double-digit lead over the Aztecs before getting roped into two overtimes. Troy, down three in the first overtime and down four in the second OT period, rallied to pull off an incredible 108-107 upset. That should get USC’s attention. We previewed the game:
“The most encouraging trait USC has shown so far this season is offensive depth,” Ethan Inman wrote. “USC has scored 87 or more points in all of its games. They have been able to reach such solid offensive totals because at least 4 Trojans have scored 10+ points in each of USC’s three games. Rodney Rice, Chad Baker-Mazara and Ezra Ausar have scored 10+ points in all three games. Jacob Cofie, Jaden Brownell, Jordan Marsh, Terrance Williams II and Gabe Dynes have also all reached double figure scoring in a game this season.”
Can USC men’s basketball keep the train rolling? Follow along as the Trojans host … the Trojans. It’s Alabama versus Southern California from the Galen Center:
Both teams are shooting under 33 percent from the field. Both teams are 2 of 9 on 3-pointers. Troy has an excuse; the Alabama Trojans played a grueling game earlier this week and are on a road trip far away from their campus. USC hasn’t had to travel and last played on Friday, Nov. 14. The Trojans should be fresh, but instead, they’re rusty.
The Trojans made a few more jump shots, but they should be getting to the rim against a Troy team which played a double-overtime game earlier this week. USC has also allowed seven offensive rebounds in the game’s first 12 minutes. That’s not acceptable.
USC has forced five Troy turnovers, but the home team has started 2 of 9 from the field. Rodney Rice is 1-5 from the field, 0-3 on triples. Only three USC players have even attempted a shot.
Three turnovers in the first three and a half minutes for USC. This is ugly ball. The defense is at least doing its part.
