USC rocks UCLA with second-half surge, takes large step towards 2023 NCAA Match
Within the first of two video games this season between USC and UCLA, the Trojans fell behind by 16 factors earlier than uncorking a livid second-half rally for a two-point lead within the ultimate minute. They let that late 58-56 lead slip away and allowed the Bruins to grab a victory from their grasp within the final 15 seconds.
The good cash recommended that if USC was going to determine UCLA this season, the Trojans would wish to get off to a good if not nice begin. Absolutely they weren’t going to have a lot of an opportunity in the event that they fell behind UCLA by 12 factors at halftime. Absolutely UCLA, with its elite protection, was going to maintain this sport — and the Trojans — underneath wraps in the event that they obtained one other massive lead.
UCLA promptly cast a 37-25 halftime benefit. USC couldn’t shoot. The Trojans tried solely two free throws, in order that they couldn’t discover methods to get low cost factors when soar photographs weren’t falling.
They seemed useless within the water towards a UCLA crew which was indignant after a loss to Arizona on Saturday, January 21.
Absolutely, USC wasn’t going to have the ability to full an enormous comeback and struggle all the best way again, proper? UCLA has been locking down opponents late in second halves all season lengthy. Even when dropping to Arizona, UCLA held the Wildcats underneath 60 factors.
USC was toast, proper?
Boogie Ellis had one thing to say about that. So did Drew Peterson. So did Vince Iwuchukwu and Kobe Johnson. All of them contributed considerably to a stunning 52-27 second-half tsunami. USC didn’t simply come again towards UCLA; it ran the Bruins out of the Galen Middle for a 77-64 thrashing.
Beating UCLA issues. Beating UCLA by 13 factors will ship USC’s metrics and total profile hovering previous numerous bubble groups. The Trojans not solely beat their rival; they took an unlimited step towards the 2023 NCAA Match.
We will debate whether or not USC is “off” the bubble or nonetheless on it, however we will agree that USC is clearly within the area proper now, a number of spots contained in the minimize line. There’s lots of work left to do, however the Trojans’ activity is now much less about gaining floor, and extra about preserving their place. So long as they don’t endure resume-killing losses which lower their profile, they are going to be in fine condition.
They get per week to relaxation up earlier than internet hosting the Washington colleges within the Galen Middle. If they’ll simply maintain the groups they’re speculated to beat, they are going to be within the bracket on Choice Sunday, March 12.
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