Los Angeles, CA – The USC Trojans hosted the Oregon Ducks today at the Galen Center. Where the Trojans closed out their impressive season with a disappointing loss to the Ducks 66 – 76.
Today the Trojans received only their second home lost of the season from Oregon. To add further insult to injury this was also the second loss this season to the Ducks and their final regular-season game. The lights going out at the Galen Center during the first half should’ve been taken as an omen (if one was the superstitious type).
The score alone is not an accurate reflection of how good the competition was at this game. The Ducks came out in the first half hot in the paint and the Trojans were smoking from three-point land. Both teams showing no mercy at the free-throw line. The Ducks were able to force the Trojans into a couple of turnovers, but the Trojans defense was so fierce that the Ducks had more than their share of shot clock violation. Even with Oregon starting the second half in the lead the Trojans came out eradicating the deficit. The game was tied on four different occasions and the lead flipped five times. It was like watching a roulette wheel. The Trojans just ran into some offensive bad luck towards the end. They couldn’t get enough shots to go in and stay or find a way to keep Elgin Cook from being everywhere at once. After watching this game one can completely understand why USC took their preparation for Oregon so seriously.
Well as a tradition with the regular season closers the Trojans upheld the Start The Seniors as part of their farewell and appreciation. This year’s departing senior is Strahinj Gavrilovic, someone Nikola Jovanovic credits greatly for helping him get acclimated to his new home country.
The Trojans now get to focus on a Wednesday’s game at the PAC 12 Tournament (opponent to be named). When asked did it matter who they played against in the first round the response was “It doesn’t matter who’s our opponent we just need to play our best!”. We look forward to seeing if the Trojans will have what it takes to fight on in Las Vegas.
