Tulsa, OK – The USC Trojans (5-5), were unable to put up the points needed as OU’s consistently stout defense held them to 34.8% from the floor with 23 out of 66 attempts, while the OU trio of Christian James, Miles Reynolds and Brady Manek each scored well into the double digits.
The Oklahoma Sooners (9-1) were 49.2% (30 of 61) from the floor. Lead by a season best by Reynolds of 20 points. The first time this season that anyone scored that many in a game that was not Christian James.
“I just credit my teammates finding me and getting me some good looks,” said Reynolds after the game, attributing his performance to the help of his teammates.
James had a strong game of his own, contributing to the stifling defense with 15 rebounds. Thirteen of which being defensive. This added to Oklahoma’s strong defensive showing of 44 rebounds, forcing 18 turnovers with 7 steals.
James also contributed 16 points to make this his 3rd double double in a row.
Forward Brady Manek would make the third Oklahoma player in double digits with 15 points.
USC Forward Nick Rakocevic put up a double double of his own with 17 points and 15 rebounds with Jonah Mathews and Jordan Usher adding 11 and 10 points respectively.
After Oklahoma jumped out to early 10-2 lead, Southern Cal mounted it’s only lead of the game, with a Jordan Usher jumper and a Rakocevic free throw to make it 12-14 at the 9:58 minute mark of the first half.
The Sooners answered quickly with a 9-0 run and pushed the lead to 40-28 at the half.
USC came out of the half with a stronger showing to pull within 4 to make it 51-47 with 13:51 left. That resurgence came to an end with a nearly 7 minute Sooners’ run were they outscored the Trojans 22 to 7 to make it 73-54 with 6:48 left . The Trojans were unable to mount another threat the rest of the game.
“Oklahoma is a very good team, but we beat ourselves in this one,” said USC coach Andy Enfield of the tough going at the neutral, but still in Oklahoma, site. “We missed too many easy shots, particularly in the post.”
This is USC’s third loss in a row to teams that are off to strong starts to the season. The records of the last three opponents adding up to 24-2. USC travels next to Santa Clara to face the SCU Broncos (5-6) Tuesday Dec 18 at 7PM PST.
