No. 5 Arizona Upset by USC
Galen Center - Los Angeles, CA (PSF) — In shocking fashion, the University of Southern California Trojans upset the Pac-12 leading Arizona Wildcats 78-65 on Saturday night, just days before the beginning of the Pac-12 tournament.
The Trojans were impressive both offensively and defensively, as they held the Wildcats, the fourth-ranked scoring team in the country (89.5 ppg) to just 65 points. Star Arizona Guard Caleb Love played 32 minutes and was held to just 2 points (1-10 FG), and had more than double the amount of turnovers than points (5 TOs). Arizona Seniors Keshad Johnson (6-10 FG) and Oumar Ballo (6-7 FG) both scored 17 points on good efficiency, but the rest of the team scored just 31 points as Arizona struggled from the field (38.7 percent), from three (28.6 percent), and the free throw line (68.8 percent).
Kobe Johnson tallied six steals, and although guard Boogie Ellis struggled offensively, he tallied 3 steals in a great defensive effort. Overall, USC forced 18 turnovers, had 15 steals, and 5 blocks in an overwhelmingly dominant defensive performance.
Offensively, the Trojans had three double-figure scorers, as DJ Rodman (19), Kobe Johnson (19), and Isaiah Collier (16) all eclipsed the ten-point mark. Rodman (7-8, 2-3 3pt) and Johnson (6-9, 1-3 3pt) were both efficient from the field, while Collier led the team in assists with five. They ended the game with 49.1/33.3/88.9 shooting splits.
Bronny James played the most minutes off the bench at 20 and did everything in the win, finishing with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and a block. He was an energizer defensively, encapsulated by a fast-break steal and slam with his father LeBron in attendance.
This game, although it did not affect the seeding for these two teams, could have implications for the Pac-12 tournament this week, from March 13-16. The 2024 Pac-12 Tournament Seeding is now set, as despite the loss, the 24-7 Arizona Wildcats secured the No.1 seed and are seeking their third consecutive Pac-12 championship. However, with the seeding, if USC defeats number 8 Washington in the first round, they will see Arizona in the Thursday game. With how this most recent matchup went between these two teams, that will be a potential matchup to keep an eye on.
Of course, USC must beat Washington first and advance. If USC were to make the second round, however, this would be an interesting storyline as the No.5 Nationally Ranked Wildcats will want revenge, while USC has the confidence and knowledge that they can take down Arizona.
No. 8 Washington vs. No. 9 USC will take place on Wednesday, March 13 at 12:00 pm PT, on the Pac-12 Network.
If USC was to advance, and play Arizona, then that game would be on Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 pm PT, also on the Pac-12 Network.
