Written by Andie Hagemann, USC blog contributor
The USC men's basketball team is returning to Galen Center for a pair of home games against Washington State and Washington, Thursday and Sunday respectively. The Trojans are fresh off of last week's overtime victory over crosstown rival UCLA and are looking to continue that momentum tonight against the Cougars.
"We had a great win last week over UCLA but that is over with," said guard Byron Wesley. "We have had three good
days of practice this week and we feel confident and ready for these next two
games."
It is undeniable that the Trojans are bursting with energy and confidence following the crucial conference win. However, the true test will be if that energy can carry over as the Trojans embark on the second half of conference play and if they can avoid becoming complacent heading into tonight's game.
"I think the UCLA game gave us confidence which is something that our team needed," said interim head coach Bob Cantu. "Any time you can win on the road in a conference game against a rival, it gives confidence. We have made practices as energetic as possible to keep the energy up so that we can be ready."
Despite a conference record of 2-7, Washington State is not an opponent that the Trojans will overlook. "At this point, we are focusing a lot more on us. We want to make a run and be one of the best teams in the conference. In order to do that, you have to win at home," said guard Jio Fontan. "They may be 2-7 in conference play, but they're always hungry for a win."
USC currently stands at 9-13 overall and 4-5 in conference play. A pair of conference wins this weekend would set the Trojans in a perfect position heading into the remainder of the regular season. "Washington State, like every team in the PAC-12, is talented. We definitely can't go in there thinking that we are going to win," Wesley said. "We need to play with confidence and play like it is a must win game for us."
(Photo by AP via Washington Post)
Here is a Pac-12.com breakdown of tonight's game vs. Wazzu (8:30 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Networks)...
The USC men's basketball team is returning to Galen Center for a pair of home games against Washington State and Washington, Thursday and Sunday respectively. The Trojans are fresh off of last week's overtime victory over crosstown rival UCLA and are looking to continue that momentum tonight against the Cougars.
"We had a great win last week over UCLA but that is over with," said guard Byron Wesley. "We have had three good
days of practice this week and we feel confident and ready for these next two
games."It is undeniable that the Trojans are bursting with energy and confidence following the crucial conference win. However, the true test will be if that energy can carry over as the Trojans embark on the second half of conference play and if they can avoid becoming complacent heading into tonight's game.
"I think the UCLA game gave us confidence which is something that our team needed," said interim head coach Bob Cantu. "Any time you can win on the road in a conference game against a rival, it gives confidence. We have made practices as energetic as possible to keep the energy up so that we can be ready."
Despite a conference record of 2-7, Washington State is not an opponent that the Trojans will overlook. "At this point, we are focusing a lot more on us. We want to make a run and be one of the best teams in the conference. In order to do that, you have to win at home," said guard Jio Fontan. "They may be 2-7 in conference play, but they're always hungry for a win."
USC currently stands at 9-13 overall and 4-5 in conference play. A pair of conference wins this weekend would set the Trojans in a perfect position heading into the remainder of the regular season. "Washington State, like every team in the PAC-12, is talented. We definitely can't go in there thinking that we are going to win," Wesley said. "We need to play with confidence and play like it is a must win game for us."
(Photo by AP via Washington Post)
Here is a Pac-12.com breakdown of tonight's game vs. Wazzu (8:30 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Networks)...
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