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.
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.”
