My main takeaway from this game (and really, from much of the early season) is that Andrej has taken a major step forward from his freshman season, which is huge both for this year and for the future.
Even though Andrej and Jovan won the box score, this was a great team victory with contributions from a lot of guys--Mady, Dort, DJ, and JOJ in particular all had big moments. It's been a long while since we possessed a physical advantage on the interior against an SC team. SC is trying to bring back the midrange game all by themselves. Although their big guards could post up our guards as often as they liked, the lack of a threat from the 3 hurt them. I'm still a little worried where the late game scoring is going to come from. Blacksher is probably our best playmaker, but once the defense keys on him, he has no counter with his size. He had a couple of late game drives that went nowhere. But make no mistake, this was a big boy win. If we want to dance, we needed this one and perhaps one of Mizzou and San Diego St. to build a solid non-conference resume before conference season.
USC was small in the front court but they were big in the backcourt. It's a problem when your starting backcourt is 5'10 and 6'2, and the reserves are 6'1 and 6'3. They were straight up hunting DJ Campbell on defense and picked on Blacksher/Wilkinson from time to time too.
In conference play I'd like to see more 3 wing lineups with more minutes going to Rytis and JOJ.
My main takeaway from this game (and really, from much of the early season) is that Andrej has taken a major step forward from his freshman season, which is huge both for this year and for the future.
Some much needed good news after Saturday's debacle at Memorial.
After the disappointment of Vandy, it was nice to get a pretty impressive road win here. I guess having Madsen on the sideline actually matters!
Even though Andrej and Jovan won the box score, this was a great team victory with contributions from a lot of guys--Mady, Dort, DJ, and JOJ in particular all had big moments. It's been a long while since we possessed a physical advantage on the interior against an SC team. SC is trying to bring back the midrange game all by themselves. Although their big guards could post up our guards as often as they liked, the lack of a threat from the 3 hurt them. I'm still a little worried where the late game scoring is going to come from. Blacksher is probably our best playmaker, but once the defense keys on him, he has no counter with his size. He had a couple of late game drives that went nowhere. But make no mistake, this was a big boy win. If we want to dance, we needed this one and perhaps one of Mizzou and San Diego St. to build a solid non-conference resume before conference season.
A good effort on the defensive side of the ball. Now time to work on setting screens and passing the ball for more uncontested shots and assists.
Andrej and Blacksher were unstoppable. Our two bigs absolutely imposed their will downlow. JOJ's athleticism gave us a nice crunch time spark.
Kind of a terrific game and a good way to wash away the memories of Saturday's tilt on the gridiron.
Great summary and the best thing about this team is our depth. Multiple players contributing and had big moments
Joshua Is a great example… off the bench but made at least 3 big plays late in crunch time. The moment wasn’t too big for him
And although I’ve been down on our 2 guard position, but Campbell made 3 buckets including a 3, and Wilkinson made his first college 3
Andrej is silky smooth
I missed the game. Anyone know where a replay could be seen?
Someone uploaded this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu70WKNU7_M
Big Ten Network is a Fox Sports network, so you can view replays on their website:
https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/california-golden-bears-vs-usc-trojans-nov-17-2024-game-boxscore-253859
(You'll need to sign in with your TV provider that carries BTN.)
The Big Ten network is rebroadcasting it in the next few days I think. Check your guide and see.
USC was small in the front court but they were big in the backcourt. It's a problem when your starting backcourt is 5'10 and 6'2, and the reserves are 6'1 and 6'3. They were straight up hunting DJ Campbell on defense and picked on Blacksher/Wilkinson from time to time too.
In conference play I'd like to see more 3 wing lineups with more minutes going to Rytis and JOJ.