Jordan McLaughlin going to basket during the Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on November 22, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / full image 360)
USC shot the lights out as four starters finished with double-digits in scoring to help the No. 10 Trojans cruise to a 88-63 win over Lehigh on Wednesday night at the Galen Center.
Bennie Boatwright recorded his first double-double of the season and third of his career after finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds. USC made 12 three-pointers to tie a season high.
“I thought our players had an intensity and focus tonight,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “We came out in the second half and really shared the basketball well and we contested every shot.”
USC jumped out to a 10-point lead on Elijah Stewart’s three-pointer with 12:52 remaining in the first half. The Trojans continued their hot shooting from three-point range as Shaqquan Aaron nailed a three and moments later Jonah Matthews drilled another three to extend the lead, 31-15.
USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) shooting a jumper during the Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on November 22, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / full image 360)
Boatwright converted a three-point play as the second half was winding down, giving the Trojans a 46-32 lead going into halftime.
Jonah Matthews finished with 18 points, including four three-pointers. USC shot 46.2 percent from beyond the arc while out rebounding Lehigh, 49-32. Chimezie Metu came up a rebound short of his second double-double this season, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Jonah Mathews going to rim during the Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on November 22, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / full image 360)
After coming off a career-high 35 points in the win against Vanderbilt, senior captain Jordan McLaughlin scored five points but dished out seven assist while adding three steals.
“He (McLaughlin) scores when he needs too,” Enfield said. “Our team needs him to be a leader and distributer. He’s very valuable to his teammates.”
USC improved to 4-0 and will turn its focus to the big matchup against No. 16 Texas A&M on Sunday at 7 p.m. The Trojans beat the Aggies last year at College Station.
Victor Uyaelunmo throwing down during the Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on November 22, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / full image 360)
