Los Angeles, CA – The USC Trojans came out guns blazing in their home opener against the Cal State Northridge Matadors to secure their first win of the season 89-49 on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
USC put the clamps on CSUN early.
The Trojans forced 14 turnovers scoring 20 points off of those turnovers. They also held the Matadors to 32.8% from the field and 23.5% from 3-point range.
“I was very proud of our players and how they came out with intensity, they shared the ball, and they played outstanding defense. That’s how we built a lead,” said USC head coach Andy Enfield.
Before you knew it, the Trojans led by 33 to go up 52-19 at halftime.
Memphis transfer and San Diego native Boogie Ellis made his debut as a Trojan with 20 points (9-11 FGs), 2 assists and 2 steals.
Ellis exploded for an emphatic breakaway dunk at the 3:22 mark in the first half and the crowd erupted in his ‘welcome home’ moment.
“It was a great experience,” said Ellis. “I’m just happy to be home playing on the west coast and playing with these guys right here. It’s a really exciting team. I love playing with them so I’m just happy to be back home and playing here.”
USC’s top returning scorer Isaiah Mobley put up 15 points, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.
With the fans back in the stands, the energy was electric in the Galen Center.
“It was a fun game. Beginning to end. I thought we played really well. Having that Trojan family back was extremely exciting,” said Mobley.
The Trojans returned six of their top eight scorers from the 2020-2021 season.
USC made an Elite 8 appearance in last season’s NCAA Tournament. The team received their Elite 8 rings and raised their Elite 8 finalist banner in their pregame ceremony.
“It was super cool seeing those highlights, cherishing that memory, and finally getting to see the rings in person. It went beyond my expectations,” said Mobley.
The USC Trojans go on the road against Temple on Saturday, November 13th at 4 pm.
