In a dominating performance, Desmond Claude propelled the USC Trojans to an emphatic 85-61 victory over the Washington Huskies, leading his team to break a three-game losing streak.
Short Summary:
- Desmond Claude scored a game-high 20 points, guiding USC to victory.
- USC shot an impressive 70% in the first half, establishing a 26-point lead by halftime.
- Wesley Yates III and Saint Thomas contributed significantly, scoring 19 points each for the Trojans.
In a chase for supremacy in the Big Ten Conference, the USC Trojans faced off against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena on a chilly Saturday evening in Seattle. The Trojans came into this matchup on the heels of a three-game losing streak but managed to flip the script, defeating the Huskies decisively.
The game showcased a commanding performance by freshman star Desmond Claude, who not only led his team in scoring with 20 points but also demonstrated exceptional efficiency by shooting 5 of 6 from the field and hitting 9 of 11 free throws. Claude’s ability to convert opportunities at the line solidified his critical role as USC’s go-to player this season, with his current average now soaring to 12.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.
“I just focused on playing within the system. It’s not just about me; it’s our team that works together,” Claude said post-game.
Other notable performances from USC included Wesley Yates III, who scored a career-high 19 points in his first collegiate start against his former teammates from Washington. Yates’s journey has been remarkable; he missed his freshman year due to persistent foot injuries and felt the urge to transfer to USC, thanks in part to the hiring of his cousin, Quincy Pondexter, as a coach.
During the first half of the game, the Trojans exhibited sheer dominance, shooting an incredible 70% (19 of 27) which fueled their lead to a staggering 51-25 at halftime. Their offensive strategy effectively dismantled Washington’s defense, as they capitalized on fast-break opportunities and dominated points in the paint.
USC began the game with an impressive offensive display, taking an early lead at 11-5. They never looked back, quickly extending their lead to a whopping 26 points by the break. The Trojans made a notable 5 out of 11 three-point attempts in the first half and maintained a constant pressure that left the Huskies scrambling.
“We really came out strong, and our shooting set the tone early in the game,” said USC head coach Andy Enfield.
The second half mirrored the first as USC maintained control. Although Washington attempted to close the gap early in the half, it was evident that USC had complete command of the game. Following a step-back jumper from Saint Thomas, the Trojans’ lead bloomed to 66-35 with just over 12 minutes remaining, marking their largest lead of the season.
Besides Claude and Yates, Thomas added 19 points, showcasing his own shooting prowess and contributing three blocks and two steals. The versatility of the Trojans’ lineup was apparent as they played without key players like Terrance Williams, who is sidelined due to a broken wrist, and others missing because of injuries.
Washington’s offense underperformed. Mekhi Mason led the Huskies’ scoring with just 15 points, while the Huskies could not match USC’s firepower, finishing with only 61 points and shooting a mere 36% from the field. This loss now keeps Washington firmly at 0-2 in the conference.
The victory not only brought the Trojans back on track but also underscored their resilience amid injury woes. In the last seven games, USC has averaged 73.3 points, a stark contrast to the 62.5 points they managed across the preceding six games.
Coaching and Team Strategies
Coach Andy Enfield, who is tied for third on USC’s all-time wins list, continues to emphasize teamwork and execution, factors that have propelled USC to a season record of 6-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play.
Through injuries and lack of consistent lineup, the Trojans have managed to maintain a cohesive strategy revolving around tenacity on defense and an explosive offense that has the potential to compete with any team. Their deep bench has allowed players to emerge, like Agee, who contributed 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds off the bench.
“This season has tested us. But every player has stepped up more than once, and that’s what a team is about,” Enfield stated in high spirits after the game.
Looking Ahead
As USC aims to capitalize on this momentum, they have an upcoming clash against the Arizona State Sun Devils, who are struggling to find their footing this season. The Trojans face ASU on March 7, hoping to build on their success and strengthen their position within the conference.
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Conclusion
The Trojans’ victory over Washington serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork and resilience, two qualities that USC is embracing this season. As fans rally behind their team, there’s excitement in the air for what lies ahead. With recruits like Claude and Yates showcasing their talents, the USC Trojans are on a journey worth following closely.