Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
USC ended its five game losing streak with a 70-26 victory over UC Riverside.
Keeping Composure
Although the Trojans led the UC Riverside Highlanders by as much as 45 points, the team was able to remain focused throughout the entire game -- something that the team has struggled with this season. "Our guys, off the bench, that were subbed in did stay focused and played hard the whole game," said head coach Kevin O'Neill. "They rebounded the ball and did what they are supposed to do. It is something that we can hopefully build on as we go forward from here."
Twin Towers
O'Neill started 7'2" center Omar Oraby and seven-footer Dewayne Dedmon against the Highlanders. So far, O'Neill is impressed with the dual threat and intends to use the same starting five (Dedmon, Wise, Oraby, Fontan, Wesley) for the Trojans' upcoming game against UC Irvine. "They protect the basket. These guys are big and they take up a lot of space," O'Neill said. "Wise has not played the perimeter spot that much. I thought he did a good job defensively guarding the ball and when he wasn't able to, you have two seven-foot guys in there, taking up space and making plays."
Leader of the Pack
Just ten games into the season, senior captain Jio Fontan is hitting an offensive stride. Against Riverside, Fontan had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. "He has looked the most confident since he has come back from his knee injury," O'Neill said. "Once he hits his stride, we will be good and we will build on that. The thing that I like about Jio is that he keeps playing hard and is only going to get better."
Here is Jio Fontan after the game...
USC ended its five game losing streak with a 70-26 victory over UC Riverside.
Keeping Composure
Although the Trojans led the UC Riverside Highlanders by as much as 45 points, the team was able to remain focused throughout the entire game -- something that the team has struggled with this season. "Our guys, off the bench, that were subbed in did stay focused and played hard the whole game," said head coach Kevin O'Neill. "They rebounded the ball and did what they are supposed to do. It is something that we can hopefully build on as we go forward from here."
Twin Towers
O'Neill started 7'2" center Omar Oraby and seven-footer Dewayne Dedmon against the Highlanders. So far, O'Neill is impressed with the dual threat and intends to use the same starting five (Dedmon, Wise, Oraby, Fontan, Wesley) for the Trojans' upcoming game against UC Irvine. "They protect the basket. These guys are big and they take up a lot of space," O'Neill said. "Wise has not played the perimeter spot that much. I thought he did a good job defensively guarding the ball and when he wasn't able to, you have two seven-foot guys in there, taking up space and making plays."
Leader of the Pack
Just ten games into the season, senior captain Jio Fontan is hitting an offensive stride. Against Riverside, Fontan had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. "He has looked the most confident since he has come back from his knee injury," O'Neill said. "Once he hits his stride, we will be good and we will build on that. The thing that I like about Jio is that he keeps playing hard and is only going to get better."
Here is Jio Fontan after the game...
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