The Trojans move to 2-0 with a trip to the Maui Invitational up next.
A Little Spark
When Maurice Jones was declared ineligible, the backup point guard spot was a gaping hole on an otherwise deep roster, but freshman walk-on Chass Bryan impressed the coaches with his maturity in practice. Pressed into significant duty tonight, Bryan played the role of floor general like a veteran dishing out four assists to only two turnovers in 15 minutes. "He's a young player who is going to make some mistakes, but he really did some good things tonight, especially with Jio in foul trouble," said head coach Kevin O'Neill.
Glue Guy
"Eric Wise makes our offense run because he can dribble, pass, shoot at 6-foot-7," said O'Neill. The Irvine transfer, who was familiar with Long Beach State from his Big West days, ticked all three categories with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists in a team leading 32 minutes. Like many of his transfer teammates, Wise is thankful for the second opportunity, which now includes a chance on the big stage at the Maui Invitational. "I am used to watching it, so I'm happy to be there and playing in it finally. I never thought I would," Wise said. The Trojans first game is against Illinois on Monday (ESPN2 at 9 p.m. PT).
Closing Time
For the first time this season, USC looked like a Kevin O'Neill coached team in the second half. The Trojans held a talented Long Beach team to 21.7% shooting in the period. "Tonight, we did a really good job in the second half of locking in and shutting those guys down," said O'Neill. The 49ers turned it over 18 times in the game. "We put more pressure on the ball and made them take tougher shots than they did in the first half," said Wise.
And 1...
Bench Mob
Again, O'Neill gave important minutes to 12 different players. The depth on this roster is extraordinary. "We made our run in the second half with five bench guys in there," said the head coach.
(Photo of Dewayne Dedmon by Pierson Clair from the season opener against Coppin State.)
A Little Spark
When Maurice Jones was declared ineligible, the backup point guard spot was a gaping hole on an otherwise deep roster, but freshman walk-on Chass Bryan impressed the coaches with his maturity in practice. Pressed into significant duty tonight, Bryan played the role of floor general like a veteran dishing out four assists to only two turnovers in 15 minutes. "He's a young player who is going to make some mistakes, but he really did some good things tonight, especially with Jio in foul trouble," said head coach Kevin O'Neill. Glue Guy
"Eric Wise makes our offense run because he can dribble, pass, shoot at 6-foot-7," said O'Neill. The Irvine transfer, who was familiar with Long Beach State from his Big West days, ticked all three categories with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists in a team leading 32 minutes. Like many of his transfer teammates, Wise is thankful for the second opportunity, which now includes a chance on the big stage at the Maui Invitational. "I am used to watching it, so I'm happy to be there and playing in it finally. I never thought I would," Wise said. The Trojans first game is against Illinois on Monday (ESPN2 at 9 p.m. PT).
Closing Time
For the first time this season, USC looked like a Kevin O'Neill coached team in the second half. The Trojans held a talented Long Beach team to 21.7% shooting in the period. "Tonight, we did a really good job in the second half of locking in and shutting those guys down," said O'Neill. The 49ers turned it over 18 times in the game. "We put more pressure on the ball and made them take tougher shots than they did in the first half," said Wise.
And 1...
Bench Mob
Again, O'Neill gave important minutes to 12 different players. The depth on this roster is extraordinary. "We made our run in the second half with five bench guys in there," said the head coach.
(Photo of Dewayne Dedmon by Pierson Clair from the season opener against Coppin State.)
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