USC Basketball vs. UCLA: Trojans Complete the Double

USC basketball finished off the sweep of rival UCLA at a packed Galen Center Thursday night, 80-61.

The lowdown: Julian Jacobs won the tip and took it straight to the hoop for the opening basket before the Trojans surged to a 9-0 lead, one they would not give up.

It was Jacobs who brought the sold out Galen Center to its feet when he slammed home after a Jordan McLaughlin steal.

Midway through the half the Trojans took their first double digit lead on another Jacobs fastbreak lay up, but UCLA’s Isaac Hamilton hit a three to stem the tide.

Later Bryce Alford’s three did the same after Bennie Boatright free throws put USC up by 11.

Elijah Stewart surged into the game sinking a three and finishing an alley-oop slam as he scored the Trojans’ last nine points of the first half.

Nikola Jovanovic ensured the second half started much like the first with a dunk on USC’s first possession.

Tony Parker pulled UCLA back within single digits on a hook shot jumper, but Katin Reinhardt took it upon himself to restore the lead, first sinking a three and then nailing a jumper.

The Trojans were able to hold onto their lead and hold off another late Bruin comeback attempt which cut the lead to just six. Stewart came up with a key three-pointer as USC scored seven unanswered points to put the game away.

The takeaway: USC completed the double against UCLA as their progression under Andy Enfield continues to take effect.

More from Reign of Troy

• Markese Stepp enters transfer portal intending to leave USC football
• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

With the victory, the Trojans remained perfect at home with a 14-0 record.

Stifling defense kept UCLA’s shooting down to just 34% on the night while USC generated 14 turnovers and outscored the Bruins on the fastbreak 13-0.

Even though McLaughlin waited until well into the second half to get on the board as a scorer, he logged ten assists and looked back on his game.

Player of the game: Jordan McLaughlin; 9 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds

Stat of the game: USC had four players in double-digits — Elijah Stewart, Julian Jacobs, Katin Reinhardt and Bennie Boatwright.

Next on tap: USC will travel to Tempe to face Arizona State on Friday, February 12.