Over the course of USC’s undefeated begin, with its star freshman nonetheless out, its main scorer nursing an ailing shoulder and one among its greatest defenders down due to an injured hip, coach Eric Musselman nonetheless managed to make the most effective of his ravaged roster.
USC had gained eight straight, sweeping its nonconference slate and successful its Large Ten opener at Oregon. It swept by means of the Maui Invitational, beating three actual groups within the course of. With each punch, the Trojans had been able to punch again.
Then got here Saturday, when a former Trojan delivered the knockout blow within the Large Ten residence opener at Galen Middle, ending USC’s undefeated begin in probably the most painful trend doable in an 84-76 loss to Washington.
USC led for all however six minutes and within the first half appeared primed to run away with its second Large Ten win, main by 18 at halftime. However it all got here unraveled within the last 10 minutes as Washington scored 24 of the final 30 factors to stun USC. It was Desmond Claude, the Trojans’ main scorer final season, who propelled Washington to victory.
The Trojans nonetheless led by 10 with 10 minutes remaining, and after such a convincing begin it appeared solely a matter of time earlier than they kicked again into gear. However they shot simply 25% within the second half after making 50% within the first.
Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with 21 factors however made solely one among seven photographs after halftime. With out him the offense dried up in a rush.
Washington caught hearth late, led by Claude, who had simply 4 factors within the first half however completed with 22.
USC minimize Washington’s result in three with simply over a minute remaining. However Washington put the ball in Claude’s arms and he delivered, driving for a lay-in excessive off the glass and getting fouled.
The Huskies began the sport in dismal trend, turning the ball over seven instances within the first seven minutes and making solely two of their first 12 photographs.
However these tides turned fully within the last minutes, dealing USC its first loss — and a brutal one at that.
