USC Menโs Basketball team has made an emphatic statement in the opening round of the College Basketball Crown. They dominated Tulane with an 89-60 victory. This win not only propels the Trojans into the quarterfinals but also marks their first postseason win in a non-conference tournament since 2021.
The Trojans showcased a balanced attack, relentless defense, and exceptional individual performances. Rashaun Agee turned in a massive 27-point game. As the team prepares for their next challenge against Villanova, letโs delve into the key highlights and notable performances from this impressive win.
USCโs Dominant First Half
The Trojans wasted no time in establishing their dominance, with Desmond Claude opening the scoring with a layup. Early contributions from Rashaun Agee and Clark Slajchert helped USC take an early lead.
The Trojansโ defense was stifling, preventing Tulane from scoring a field goal for over six minutes, which allowed USC to build a substantial lead. By halftime, USC had surged ahead to a 39-24 lead, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
Key First-Half Performances
Several players stood out in the first half:
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- Rashaun Agee: Scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds, and made one assist and one steal.
- Clark Slajchert: Contributed 10 points and two rebounds.
- Bryce Pope: Knocked down two three-pointers, adding six points.
Second Half Surge
USC continued their dominant performance in the second half, starting with a layup from Saint Thomas, followed by a three-pointer from Rashaun Agee.
Despite Tulaneโs efforts to close the gap, the Trojans maintained their lead with back-to-back baskets from Matt Knowling. The Green Waveโs attempts to chip away at the lead were met with strong responses from USC, including back-to-back dunks from Agee and Knowling. A late 15-point run sealed the Trojansโ victory, allowing them to cruise to an 89-60 win.
Notable Second-Half Contributions
The second half saw significant contributions from:
- Saint Thomas: Scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out nine assists.
- Matt Knowling: Made crucial baskets to maintain USCโs lead.
Statistical Highlights
USCโs performance against Tulane was marked by several impressive statistics:
- The Trojans shot just under 64 percent from the field, significantly above their season average of 48.2 percent.
- USC outscored Tulane in the paint 50-24.
- Rashaun Agee made 10 of 12 shots from the field and had nine rebounds.
- Clark Slajchert played in his 100th career game, contributing 10 points and two rebounds.
- Saint Thomas led USC in assists for the 16th time this season with nine assists.
- Eric Musselman is now 1-0 against the Green Wave.
Historical Context
This victory marked several historical milestones for the Trojans:
- Largest margin of victory since defeating Washington by 31 points on March 5.
- First postseason win in a non-conference tournament since beating Drake in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
- First game and victory in school history played in April.
- USC remains undefeated against Tulane, holding a 4-0 all-time record.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinals Against Villanova
The Trojans will have a day to prepare before facing the Villanova Wildcats in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. inside the MGM Garden Grand Arena.
Fans who canโt make it to Las Vegas can watch the game on FS1 or listen through the ESPN LA app. For more details and updates, visit the official USC Athletics website.
As the Trojans continue their postseason journey, they will look to build on their dominant performance against Tulane. Key players like Rashaun Agee, Saint Thomas, and Clark Slajchert will be crucial in maintaining their momentum. With their sights set on advancing further in the tournament, USCโs blend of experienced leadership and youthful energy could prove to be a winning formula.
Final Thoughts
USCโs resounding victory over Tulane has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason run.
The Trojansโ ability to execute both offensively and defensively, coupled with standout individual performances, makes them a formidable opponent.
As they prepare to face Villanova, the team will need to continue their high level of play to advance to the semifinals.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as USC aims to make a deep run in the College Basketball Crown.
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