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 seniorBennie Boatwright, who is averaging 18.5 points, nine rebounds and four assists in his last two contests.
With star freshmanKevin Porter Jr. out with a thigh injury, coachAndy Enfieldhas increased opportunities for role players. Against the Aggies, a career high in points from freshmanElijah Weaver(13) and a 16-point, six assist outing fromDerryck Thorntonprovided 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 noChimezie Metu,Elijah StewartorJordan 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
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