The Trojans bounced back with a resounding victory.
- Bryce Jones was the story of the week, but USC turned the page tonight with a statement win that demonstrated the remaining seven man rotation can get it done. "He's a good guy and we're going to miss him," Donte Smith said about Jones. "But we needed to man up and we needed to play good defense." Without his eighth man, head coach Kevin O'Neill shuttled players in and out at a more rapid pace, letting all seven guys get quick breathers to stay fresh. For one night at least, everything worked.
- Pick your defensive stat! The Trojans earned gold stars in all of them. Stanford shot a mere 22%. Marcus "The Shadow" Simmons smothered Jeremy Green to the tune of 2/9 shooting. "The Trojan Towers" controlled the glass (+8 as a team). "Defensively, we were great," said a pleased O'Neill. "Our team has to realize it's all about defense. We're going to be up and down if we don't defend."
- Garrett Jackson has found his feet. The freshman looked lost at times during the non-conference, but he responded to his increased role tonight with a determined confidence. "With [my new role], there's a lot of responsibility," Jackson said. "It is still really intense because I know what is on the line. I felt comfortable, building confidence in the week of practice, building confidence in the coaches."
- Freshman Curtis Washington played the final three minutes and change, so he will not be redshirting this season. He could still sit out next year, but without Bryce Jones, Washington could play a role off the bench. O'Neill has been happy with his improved practice play the last few weeks.
Go Trojans! Keep on a roll. Great wins against UCLA and Stanford. Love watching your games on Fox from Boston.
Bryce who?