ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 6 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
9. USC Trojans (5-4) LW: 6
A year ago, USC just missed out on the NCAA Tournament. If things don’t turn around soon, USC may consider itself lucky to be anywhere near the bubble.
Just six days after competing with Nevada at home, USC took a serious plunge, losing 96-61 to TCU at Staples Center. USC struggled on both sides of the ball in the loss, and head coach Andy Enfield described the effort as “embarrassing.”
Offensively, the Trojans couldn’t hit their stride from the field. Shooting a dismal 31.6 percent, USC was unable to sustain runs, which proved fatal in the 35-point rout.
On defense, it allowed a season-high 96 points. Six Horned Frogs finished in double figures, with Jaylen Fisher and Alex Robinson leading the way at 15 points a piece.
While the game was overall messy for Enfield’s squad, one thing clicked — three-point shooting. From beyond the arc, USC shot 44.4 percent compared to TCU’s 40.0. USC also outshot the Horned Frogs from the free-throw line.
Following the loss, USC is now just one game over .500. Not all hope is lost, however.
Before beginning Pac-12 play, USC travels to Norman for a test against 8-1 Oklahoma. So far, the Trojans are 0-2 against Big 12 teams this year, a mark they will look to change.
With already four losses under its belt, USC will need to step up by Jan. 3. That’s when the Trojans begin conference play. In another down year for the Pac-12, USC can’t afford too many slip-ups in league play.