ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 9 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
8. USC Trojans (7-6) LW: 9
Like their neighbors in Westwood, four consecutive defeats thwarted USC in December. But entering 2019, the Trojans are winners of two straight, looking to sustain momentum in league play.
Sunday’s result was an 18-point victory against UC Davis, a team that gave Arizona all it could handle at the McKale Center. The game marked another efficient outing for senior Bennie Boatwright, who is averaging 18.5 points, nine rebounds and four assists in his last two contests.
With star freshman Kevin Porter Jr. out with a thigh injury, coach Andy Enfield has increased opportunities for role players. Against the Aggies, a career high in points from freshman Elijah Weaver (13) and a 16-point, six assist outing from Derryck Thornton provided depth necessary for a turnaround.
The Trojans enter conference play with a 7-6 record, two games below their mark a year ago. Like last season, their missteps outside the league likely spell another year out of the NCAA Tournament.
While there is no Chimezie Metu, Elijah Stewart or Jordan McLaughlin, Boatwright’s experience could carry USC to another strong league outing. His performance will likely dictate which identity the team forms in the next two months.
– Booth