SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28:Holiday Bowl Trophy on display during the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke stepping away from the tackle in the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
San Diego, CA – The Washington State Cougars had no answer for Michigan State Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke in their Holiday Bowl defeat 42-17 Thursday night.
Lewerke ran for 73 yards and threw for another 213 yards with 3 touchdowns to leave his mark on the game. He also took home the Offensive MVP for the game, that was coach Mark Dantonio 100th career win.
“I wouldn’t choose any other coach in the nation to play for,” said Lewerke.
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: LJ Scott running over the Cougars defense in the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
The Spartans did the most damage before the half leading 21-3 at the break. Running back LJ Scott led all rushers with 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. He ran hard as the Spartans ate up the clock to shorten the game.
“I will be back at East Lansing playing another season with my dogs,” said Scott.
With Luke Falk being a late scratch for Washington State the weight of the offensive fell on Sophomore Tyler Hilinski for his first career start.
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Washington State smothered by Michigan State in the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
The Cougars went three and out on offensive that set the tone for the game. The Spartans defense applied enough pressure to keep the Cougars on edge.
In the second half Hilinski made a few key throws to freshman wide receiver Davontavean Martin who caught the only 2 touchdowns for 51 yards for the Cougars.
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Tyler Hilinski passing under pressure in the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
Cougars coach Mike Leach will be without senior and career passing leader Falk next year that helped him to 25-13 last three years coming into this game.
This Spartan team who had 10 victories this year compared to just 3 wins last year will be a team to reckon with having 77 underclassman.
“We finished fantastic,” said Lewerke, “We going to keep growing and keep working.”
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio wins 100th career game after the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
December 26, 2017 Phoenix, AZ NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Theo Howard (14) of the UCLA Bruins breaking away during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
Tempe, AZ – UCLA’s determination and heart stayed in the locker room at halftime of the Cactus Bowl falling to Kansas State 35-17 Tuesday night at Chase Field.
Kansas State imposed it’s will rushing for 355 yards on the Bruins defense led by backup quarterback Alex Delton.
“Obviously, very disappointed in the final result,” said coach Jedd Fisch, “I think at the end they kind wore us down a little bit.”
December 26, 2017 Phoenix, AZ NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Alex Barnes (34) of the Kansas State Wildcats taking handoff in the endzone during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
Delton came in the game as change of pace for a series at end of 1st quarter and ripped off 68 yard rushing touchdown. After K-State saw how much trouble UCLA defense had with a running quarterback their game plan changed fast.
After halftime Delton went on to carve up the Bruins for two more touchdowns finishing with team high 160 yards, 3 touchdowns. This was the Bruins fifth time allowing a team to rush for over 300 yards.
December 26, 2017 Phoenix, AZ NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Alex Delton (5) of the Kansas State Wildcats running wild during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
Devon Modster in relief of Josh Rosen held out game due to concussion protocol played a good first half. He finished the game throwing for 295 yards completing 21-34 passing with two touchdowns. In second half just not being in the same rhythm Modster only threw for 80 yards when the team was behind.
“I think I just threw too many incomplete passes,” said Modster, “He (Rosen) really helped me out a lot today.”
The Bruins were able to have receivers Jordan Lasley 8 catches for 128 yards, Theo Howard with 8 catches 119 yards and each with a touchdown.
December 26, 2017 Phoenix, AZ NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Theo Howard (14) of the UCLA Bruins just missing a Modster pass during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
K-State defense really stepped up stopping UCLA’s running game all game only allowing them a net 69 yards. Then begin to add more pressure in passing game that made the timing off.
Now that the Cactus Bowl is over UCLA coach Jedd Fisch will be relived and make way for full time Chip Kelly era.
There will be a lot of moving parts in upcoming weeks with players, coaches, and office staff. So now the Bruins transformation will began after the quiet airplane ride back home.
UCLA will open up next year with at home September 1 with Cincinnati and then next week travel to Norman to face Oklahoma on September 8, 2017.
Josh Rosen at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly fi360 News)
Phoenix, AZ – The Cactus Bowl will be this UCLA Bruins team last home game of 2017 season against the Kansas State on December 26 at 6pm. The Bruins are undefeated at home this year 6-0 and they come out onto Chase Field in their home baby blues.
UCLA interim head coach Jedd Fisch will be ready to coach his second and last game as top dog. New head coach Chip Kelly will take over all duties after the bowl game.
“I looked it up last night and he has been a head coach for 320 games, and this is my second. But I have a better win percentage,” said coach Fisch.
UCLA Bruins head coach Jedd Fisch smiling at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on November 24, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
This year team has underachieved on the road which eventually led to the release of former coach Jim Mora.
These two teams are familiar with each other meeting up in 2015 in the Alamo Bowl when UCLA was victories 40-35.
Kansas State is one of the hottest teams in the Big 12 conference finishing in 4th place, with big wins over rival Kansas and Oklahoma State.
Less than 48 hours from game time and UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen has not been medically cleared to play so most are expecting freshman Devon Modster to get the nod.
UCLA Bruins quarterback Devon Modster (18) at Huskies Stadium on October 28, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Rosen still has not said if he will forgo his senior year for the NFL draft but he’s been able to get great advice from former Bruins.
“I’ve talked to Troy Aikman and Brett Huntley and Pat Cowen, a lot of guys,” said Rosen “I love the guys I’ve met and I loved my experience here.”
I know UCLA offensive MVP Jordan Lasley is one play who wish he was going to battle with Rosen at the helm on last time. Lasley will have opportunity to get his third 200 yard receiving game in a row Tuesday night.
Lasley has had a wild ride this season that mirrors the Bruins ups and downs. But there is no denying when Lasley is on the field he will show up and show out.
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Jordan Lasley of the UCLA Bruins on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
Even missing four games Lasley has amassed 1,136 yards on 61 catches with 8 touchdowns.
Now the Cactus Bowl will be a battle of the receivers Lasley and Kansas State Byron Pringle the teams leading targets.
Boise, ID - December 22: The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl MVP #17 Wyoming QB Josh Allen after a game between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
Boise, ID – December 22: #17 Wyoming QB Josh Allen throws a pass during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Boise, Idaho – It was the Josh Allen show all game for the Wyoming Cowboys who defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 37 – 14. Allen scored touchdowns on 3 of first 6 throws of the game.
Allen coming back to start in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl after missing the last two games of the regular season due to shoulder injury to non throwing arm. He didn’t disappoint the fans throwing for 154 yards with 3 touchdown and awarded the game MVP.
The NFL draft annalist have him listed at third quarterback prospect if he chooses to forgo his senior year of eligibility.
Boise, ID – December 22: #2 Wyoming WR Jared Scott catches a TD during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway on the sideline to watch Allen in person.
“Coming from only one scholarship offer coach Bohl believed in me,” said Allen “I gotta be on the field at all the time, I love the Cowboys.”
After both teams opening series Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen finds a streaking Jared Scott in the end zone for 23 yard touchdown for the game first points.
Boise, ID – December 22: #11 Central Michigan QB Shane Morris throws a pass while #58 Wyoming DE Ryan Cummings applies pressure during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Cowboys brought the pressure on Shane Morris forcing him to fumble for the game first turnover. As a result the Cowboys were rewarded great field position that set up Allen’s second touchdown pass to Austin Conway for fast 14-0 lead.
Central Michigan Morris even under fire he found Jonathan Ward on 74 yard wheel route, with a great effort switching the ball to inside hand to touch the pylon for a touchdown.
Allen showed off early that his back and on fire dropping in third touchdown on 45 yard pass to C.J. Johnson.
Boise, ID – December 22: #9 Wyoming CB Tyler Hall breaks up a pass intended for #83 Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
The Cowboys defense didn’t won’t to feel left out so they created a second turnover in the first quarter that gave them excellent field position.
They created 8 turnovers for the game that helped shut down the Chippewas. Having 4 interceptions and the Cowboys recovered 4 fumbles.
“We came out and just wanted it more, our defense played phenomenal they been doing it all year,” said Allen.
The Chippewas just could not get things going even in the second half the Cowboys Tyler Hall intercepted Morris pass. Then 11 plays later the Cowboys put three more points on the board stretching the lead to 30-7 in 3rd quarter.
Boise, ID – December 22: #14 Wyoming WR C.J. Johnson carries the ball after a catch during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
They Cowboys just dominated the game from start to finish to end the season on high note closing out the Allen chapter.
“I dreamt about it every since I was a little kid of being an NFL quarterback, it’s so close but right now I want to enjoy this win with my teammates,” said Allen.
Boise, ID – December 22: The Wyoming Cowboys celebrate after winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Central Michigan Chippewas in Boise, ID. Final Score Wyoming 37 Central Michigan 14 (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Mens basketball USC Trojans get off to a ruff start in the first half but lead against the Princeton Tigers 36-33 in Los Angeles Calif., on Wednesday, December 19th, 2017. (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)
Mens basketball USC Trojans Jr. (4) Chimezie Metu can’t score against the Princeton Tigers loosing during the second quarter in Los Angeles Calif., at the Galen Center, on Wednesday, December 19th, 2017. (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – USC started the season as the No. 10 team but the Trojans now face an uphill climb if they want a shot at the NCAA tournament.
Princeton guard Myles Stephens scored a career-high 30 points to lead the Tigers to a 103-93 upset overtime victory over USC at the Galen Center on Tuesday night.
The Trojans used a 10-3 run in the final minutes of regulation to storm back. After USC forced a turnover with 11 seconds left, Jordan McLaughlin drove to the basket and scored the game-tying layup to tie it at 86.
Shooting went cold for the Trojans in overtime, missing seven-of-10 field goals while the Tigers shot 67 percent. Princeton made four-of-six from the field and went on a 17-7 run to seal the victory.
Mens basketball USC Trojans cant stop the speed of the Princeton Tigers Guard (5) Amir Bell in the beginning of the 2nd quarter 88-88 in Los Angeles Calif., at the Galen Center, on Wednesday, December 19th, 2017. (Photo by Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)
“This was a tough game for us.” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “In overtime, we couldn’t get the crucial stops. Give Princeton credit. They deserved to beat us, they scored 100 points.”
After five minutes of play, Princeton took a 10-3 lead on Devin Cannady’s three-pointer to open the first half. The Trojans Elijah Stewart drained a three to tie it at 12.
USC went on an 9-0 run to come back and take a 25-23 lead with 5:39 left in the first half. The Trojans offense came to life after a slow start as Stewart hit a jumper and freshman Charles O’Bannon Jr. finished a fastbreak with a dunk to give USC a 35-24 lead.
Mens basketball USC Trojans Jr. (11) Jordan McLaughlin Scores against the Princeton Tigers to tie in the 2nd quarter 88-88 in Los Angeles Calif., at the Galen Center, on Wednesday, December 19th, 2017. (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)
Princeton made a couple three-pointers with under two minutes left in the first half to climb back into the game. USC guard Jordan McLaughlin’s turnover led to the Tigers Jerome Desrosiers tip in at the buzzer as the Trojans went into halftime with a 36-33 lead.
Chimezie Metu led USC with 25 points and 10 rebounds. McLaughlin added 24 points while Elijah Stewart scored 20.
“They were driving aggressively and we couldn’t contain them.” Metu said. “They hit the open man and hit open shots. It’s a long season. We have to lock in and keep grinding on defense.”
After starting the same lineup for the first seven games, the Trojans played its third consecutive game with a new lineup.
Forward Bennie Boatwright missed his second straight game with soreness in his right foot. Guard Jonah Matthews missed the game due to a sprained ankle suffered in Sunday’s game.
Mens basketball USC Trojans after the first half lead against the Princeton Tigers 36-33 in Los Angeles Calif., on Wednesday, December 19th, 2017. (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)
Derryck Thornton has missed the Trojans last four games while he recovers from a dislocated right shoulder he suffered on Nov. 28.
“It’s been a very challenging year so far,” Enfield said. “We have four players out right now. We had a lot of points, rebounds and assist on the sideline tonight. That’s not an excuse, others have to step up.”
USC heads to Hawaii and will play against Akron in the Diamond Head Classic on Friday at 4:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPNU.
Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch bringing down a Duck in the Las Vegas Bowl 2017 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday December 16, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)
Oregon wide receiver Dillon Mitchell after a catch in the Las Vegas Bowl 2017 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday December 16, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)
Las Vegas, NV – This is not the way first year Oregon Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal wanted to begin his tenure. The Ducks were outclassed from the kick-off and were routed in the Las Vegas Bowl 38-28.
“Obviously we are all disappointed,” said Cristobal. “We shot ourselves in the foot a lot tonight”.
The Boise State Broncos came out firing on all cylinders in Sin City. After forcing Oregon into a three and out on its first possession on the game, Boise State QB Brett Rypien and the Broncos engineered a 13 play drive to take and early 7-0. Rypien found WR Ryan Wolpin from 1-yard out after converting on a 4th and short on the 3-yard line.
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) back to pass in the Las Vegas Bowl 2017 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday December 16, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)
A lifeless offensive Oregon team looked unprepared against a Boise State team which looked dominate all game.
After intercepting Rypien in the end zone, the Ducks would gift the ball back to the Broncos on a fumble. Boise State would extend their lead 14-0 3 plays later on a 28-yard catch by Cedric just before the end of the first quarter.
Justin Herbert and the Oregon’s offense was one step behind the Broncos the entire first half. Herbert was picked of by Kekaula Kaniho for the Ducks 3rd turnover. Kaniho returned the interception 53-yard for a Broncos score and extended their lead 24-0.
Oregon’s defense kept the team chances of a comeback in sight, but not until late in the second half. Rypien and the Broncos were knocking on the door of another score, but on an attempt to execute the statue of liberty play, Rypien and his running back miscued on the hand-off. Oregon’s Troy Dye picked up the fumble and returned it to the house, putting Oregon on the board.
Oregon Ducks Troy Dye (35) on 100 yard interception in the Las Vegas Bowl 2017 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday December 16, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)
The quarter wouldn’t go any better for Boise State. After a 65-yard reception by Cedric WIlson, Rypien would once again be picked off in the end zone. This time, his pass would be returned 100 yards for an Oregon touchdown cutting the Broncos lead 24-14.
The Ducks had a total of 77 yards offensively in the first half compared to 186-yard gained on defense.
The third quarter began much like the first for the Broncos. Boise State got back to what had granted them a 24 point lead, with short intermediate passing routes. Rypien and the Broncos tacked on another 7 points on its opening drive of the second half on a 12 play 75 yard drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown pass from Rypien.
Boise State defenders all over the Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl 2017 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday December 16, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)
Despite being visibly outmatched the entire competition, the Ducks threw their punches and managed to make it interesting in the 4th quarter. Oregon’s first offensive touchdown of the day came on an 8 play drive to reduce the Broncos lead 31-21 with 10:04 left in the game. Ultimately, it wouldn’t be enough for the Ducks.
“Everything we were striving to do, we didn’t do that today,” said Cristobal. “We have to get back to work after the break and reestablish ourselves”.
EUGENE, OR - November 25: #15 Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir during a game in Eugene, OR. Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
EUGENE, OR – November 25: The Oregon Duck with fans during a game in Eugene, OR. Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
Eugene, OR – Last Friday afternoon, Mario Cristobal was announced as Oregon’s head football coach, taking over for Willie Taggart who left for a $30 million, 6-year contract as Florida State’s head coach. Cristobal joined the Oregon squad January 2017 when Taggart took the head coach position.
Cristobal encourages his players to be both champions on and off the field 24/7. With the Las Vegas bowl on deck this weekend versus Boise State, he will take over and motivate his players to continue to be relentless, physical and explosive. “There is no rest, if you rest you’re going to be left behind”, says Cristobal. Speaking to the momentum of the team, Cristobal stresses the excitement of the energy in the locker room. With Cristobal’s simple philosophy, “do it every single day as if you’re coaching your own son”, Oregon will put up a tough fight versus the Broncos.
The Oregon duck players collectively put together a petition to promote Cristobal to head coach and hand delivered it to Rob Mullens, Oregon’s athletic director. When the news was announced, the players welcomed Cristobal with a standing ovation.
EUGENE, OR – November 25: #30 Oregon WR Jaylon Redd, #14 Oregon player Demetri Burch, #15 Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir and #25 Oregon S Brady Breeze prior to a game in Eugene, OR. Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
“He loves us and we love him and we have a lot of respect for him,” offensive line Shane Lemieux said. “The last couple days we’ve all been kind of car salesman like, ‘Man this guy is crazy! He’s the best guy I’ve ever met!’ Everything he does is great.”
Cristobal was previously Oregon’s co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Cristobal is a former Miami player who won two national championships and played in the NFL European league. He spent the last four years under Nick Saban as assistant head coach and offensive line coach at Alabama. From 2007-2012, Cristobal head coached at Florida International.
Tune in this Saturday, December 16 at 12:30PM PST to watch the Boise State Broncos go head-to-head versus the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl on ABC.
EUGENE, OR – November 25: #18 Oregon ILB Jimmie Swain and the Oregon Ducks prior to a game in Eugene, OR. Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
Demontii Peoples on interception return during the High School State Regional Bowl Game Paraclete Spirits vs Narbonne Gauchos December 9, 2017 at Narbonne High School. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Jermar “Munchie” Johnson running during the High School State Regional Bowl Game Paraclete Spirits vs Narbonne Gauchos December 9, 2017 at Narbonne High School. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The Narbonne Gauchos are heading back to State for the second time in three years riding a great wave of momentum after defeating Paraclete 56-14 in the Regional Final.
The Gauchos last four games have been a showcase of their talent on both sides of the ball out scoring their opponents 223-35. This playoff run has been dominate to say the least.
This year senior class is on its way to being one of the most decorated class in school history. Going into Saturday’s State Championship Division 1-A game versus Pittsburg on December 16 at Hornet Stadium on in Sacramento State.
“It feels great coming back for my senior year getting this regional win and go to State,” said Narbonne quarterback Jalen Chatman.
They now have won 4 CIF City Champions, 1 State Championship in 2015 with this group of seniors.
Going back to Sacramento this year will be a new thing for running back Jermar Jefferson who scored 5 touchdowns and rushed for 226 yards last Saturday night. If Jefferson can have this type performance again Narbonne will be tough to beat.
The Los Angeles City Section has always been a hotbed for talent with college scholarships and NFL talent. Both teams from this year City Section Open Division Championship has reached a State Final.
City Section runner-up Crenshaw Cougars will host Placer for the 4-AA Division at Saturday December 16, at 6pm.
December 8, 2017: Meta World Peace and Mark Jackson during a game between ASU vs ST. John's at the Staple Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/ fi360 News
December 8, 2017: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young game MVP after a game between USC Trojans vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Staple Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/ fi360 News
Los Angeles, Ca – Facing a five-point deficit, Jordan McLaughlin drew a foul on a layup. After sinking the free throw, Oklahoma’s Trae Young missed a pair of free throws, giving USC one last shot with three seconds left on the clock.
USC had a chance to win the game, after trailing by as much as 18, but Jordan McLaughlin’s three-pointer at the buzzer fell short.
It was too little, too late for the Trojans as Oklahoma escaped with an 85-83 win over No. 25 USC in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic tripleheader at the Staples Center on Friday night.
December 8, 2017: Oklahoma Sooners guard Kameron McGusty (20) drives to the basket during a game between USC Trojans vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Staple Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/ fi360 News
USC coach Andy Enfield said it was surprising they were down 18 points but at the same time they deserve credit for coming back and having a shot at the buzzer to win the game.
“They have a lot of heart,” Enfield said. “But we can’t get down 18 points.”
USC dropped its third straight game after committing 17 turnovers and being outrebounded by Oklahoma, 45-32.
Oklahoma was led by freshman Trae Young who finished with 29 points and went over 28 points for the sixth straight game. Young leads the nation in scoring.
“It makes it a lot easier when your teammates are as good as mine,” Young said. “When they’re able to knock down shots and make plays on their own it makes it a lot easier on me.”
The Sooners opened both halves draining shots from beyond the arc. Oklahoma made 15 three-pointers, tying a season high.
After knocking down six of their first nine shots from distance, the Sooners jumped out to a 20-9 lead in the first half. USC went on an 8-0 run to climb back into it but the Sooners extended the lead with a 10-0 run.
Oklahoma continued its hot three-point shooting in the second half, draining five its first six shots to extend the lead, 65-50.
Elijah Stewart led the Trojans with 23 points while McLaughlin added 20 points and nine assist.
“We’ve played well at times and we’ve been inconsistent at times,” Enfield said. “We expect to get better in the month of December.”
December 8, 2017: Arizona State University vs ST. John’s University at the Staple Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/ fi360 News
