USC vs. Utah: Men’s Basketball Preview

Douglas C. Pizac-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans vs. Utah Utes

Jon M. Huntsman Center | Salt Lake City, Utah
3:00 PM Pacific | Pac-12 Network

The USC Trojans began their Pac-12 campaign with a win over Stanford last Thursday, but have since found a rough patch with two difficult losses to Pac-12 contenders Cal and Colorado. In Boulder this week, the Trojans committed an astounding 22 turnovers and only at six attempts at the free throw line in the full 48 minutes of play. If Kevin O’Neill’s Trojans want to improve their 1-2 record on Saturday against Utah, they’ll need to capitilize at line and play fundamental basketball with limited mistakes, a task that seems to be a tall order at the moment.

The Utes come into the game still looking for their first Pac-12 victory, but they’ve had arguably the hardest schedule in the league to date, losing to Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA, three schools that have combined for a 42-6 record.

Leading the Utes are their two forwards, Jerrad DuBois and Jordan Loveridge, both of whom have averaged a smidgen under 13 points per contest to date. As a swingman playing the three, DuBois brings a balanced game to the court, as he’s shot 42 percent from distance.

Loveridge should test the Trojans’ bigs down low, as he’s had three double-doubles this season, though UCLA held him to just six boards on Thursday, despite the Bruins lacking a strong interior game.

USC, last in the league in rebounding, will need to play well on the glass as the Utes are second in the Pac-12 in defensive rebounds. Considering that the Trojans are not a sound shooting team, second-chance opportunities will be pivotal for O’Neill’s team.

Projected Starting Lineups

USC

Utah