Basketball
After a massive first half by the Utes’ offense, the Trojans’ exceptional defense eventually settled in, but it wasn’t soon enough to knock off a top-10 opponent on the road.
It’s time to give the Trojans’ head coach praise for the team’s improbable turnaround.
After trailing by 12 at halftime, Boogie Ellis balled out with 27 points in the latter period, matching the Bruins’ second-half output.
A second half surge propelled the Trojans to victory in Seattle.
Everything came easy for the Trojans until they nearly collapsed at the very end.
Coming back from injury, the graduate forward scored 19 points on the road.
The cold-shooting Trojans were unable to exorcize their demons at McKale Center, losing to a deeply talented Wildcats team.
The Trojans had 18 assists while playing lockdown defense in the second half en route to their second straight victory.
USC moves to 12-4, 2-3 in Pac-12 play.
Strong defense and smart offense carried USC to a 68-61 win over Colorado in front of a roaring crowd on Thursday night.
Free throws helped the Trojans early on but hurt them late, as the Bruins used a 21-8 fourth quarter to sweep this season’s Crosstown Rivalry.
The Trojans took the lead in the final two minutes but couldn’t combat the Bruins’ offense and energy in Pauley Pavilion.
The loss marks the first time the Trojans fell to the Cougars since 2015.
USC moves to 3-0 in Pac-12 play, a feat only accomplished three times by the Trojans this century.
The Trojans collected their first ranked victory of the season over the No. 19 Tigers on the shoulders of Boogie Ellis, who scored 28 points.