Los Angeles, CA – USC senior Bennie Boatwright went 6-of-9 from three-point range and scored 20 points to help the Trojans defeat Oregon, 66-49, Thursday at the Galen Center.
Boatwright moved into third place on USC’s all-time three-pointers list and it was his 17th consecutive game scoring in double figures.
“Bennie is shooting as well as he has in his career,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “His all-around game is good. He’s feeling it. To beat Oregon, you need players to step up like that. It was fun to watch.”
USC held Oregon to 49 points tonight, matching the season low for points by an opponent. The Trojans made 50 percent of its shots tonight, while holding Oregon to 33.3 percent shooting.
“We played well,” Enfield said. “We challenged their shots. In the second half, we rebounded at a high level, especially our guards.”
Jonah Mathews knocked down a three to give USC a 16-point lead in the second half. Oregon was held without a point during a five minute stretch to end the first half and start the second.
Nick Rakocevic finished with 17 points and six rebounds. Derryck Thornton added 10 points with six assists.
“Oregon beat us bad when we played up there,” Rakocevic said. “This was a chance for us to get revenge, we had something to prove. It was a statement game. We played well, defended well, and Bennie was knocking down shots. Everybody had the mindset to win and do what it takes.”
Rakocevic was referring to USC’s 21-point loss to Oregon last month. The Trojans avenged the loss and improved to 15-12 and 8-6 in Pac-12 play.
USC’s next game will be against Oregon State on Saturday at 3 p.m. It will be the final home game for seniors Boatwright and Shaqquan Aaron.
“It seems like yesterday (when he first played with Bennie).” Rakocevic said. “The last time I’ll be playing with him in Galen will be tough. We want to send him and Shaqquan off in the highest way, get a win and have fun.”
