The USC basketball team beat UCLA for the third time this season 95-71 in the opening round of the Pac-12 Tournament last night in Las Vegas. This was the first time in 74 years the Trojans defeated the Bruins three times.
After the rout, UCLA dropped to 15-17 overall, 6-13 in the Pac-12. They probably are out of postseason play.
The 21-11 Trojans (10-9 in the Pac 12) played Utah in the quarterfinals today. If successful, they advance to the semifinals on to play the winner of the Cal-Oregon State game on Friday at 8:30 on Fox Sports 1. If USC wins its semifinal game, the Pac-12 championship is next on Saturday at 7 on Fox Sports 1.
If the Trojans lose to Utah, who beat them at home last month, they still will make the NCAA tournament because of their body of work. Their rout of UCLA proved they are at least one of the best 65 teams.
Much more athletic than the Bruins, Troy had six players in double figures and a seventh had nine points.
Freshman forward Bennie Boatwright led with 19 points and nine rebounds. Guard Jordan McLaughlin scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds and made three assists. Forward Nikola Jovanovic had 16 points and seven rebounds. Guard Julian Jacobs scored 11 and dished out nine assists.
Trojan freshman Chimezie Metu, from Lawndale High School, recorded a double-double,10 points,11 rebounds. Four of his 10 points came on highlight film dunks over UCLA players.
Rounding out the USC scoring parade were guard Katin Reinhardt’s 10 points and Westchester High School grad Elijah Stewart’s nine. The Trojans outrebounded the Bruins 52-30. “We are so proud of our guys,” said associate head coach Tony Bland. “We have four really good guards that help us play at a high level.”
UCLA never was in the game, falling behind 11-0, trailing 48-29 at halftime.
The Bruins made only 26 out of 68 shots. They played lazily and played lazily on defense. Center Thomas Welsh led the Bruins with 12 points and six rebounds. He fouled out. UCLA’s three guards combined for 31 points with Bryce Alford and Aaron Holiday scoring 11 each and Isaac Hamilton had nine.
Next year should better for the Bruins. They are bringing in one of the top recruiting classes in the nation. “We promise you, you won’t see this again from a UCLA basketball team,” said third-year assistant coach Ed Schilling.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
