The Trojans season likely ends with a first round loss in the Pac-12 Tournament.
Tricky Utes
Utah built a seven-point halftime lead and held on late by switching defenses constantly and forcing the Trojans into jumpers. USC did not make a single true jump shot in the first half, but rallied in the second when J.T. Terrell and Eric Wise got hot from the perimeter. "It was Utah's defense," interim head coach Bob Cantu credited the Utes. "They did a great job of keying on our key players." The Trojans made only 3/15 from three and shot 12 fewer free throws for the game.
Center of Attention
Without starting center Dewayne Dedmon and back-up big man James Blasczyk, Omar Oraby was forced to play a career-high 35 minutes and responded with 18 points and 10 rebounds, his best statistical game during his time at Troy. "Of course, it's always hard to play shorthanded...but I had to step up. I had to step in and play as long as I can," said Oraby. The junior should return next season to form the core of the 2013-14 Trojans with Dedmon, J.T. Terrell and Byron Wesley.
Interim Coach, Permanent Impact
During the Bob Cantu era, the Trojans went 8-9, but his impact was felt at a much deeper level than wins and losses. "He coached us with passion every day," said Byron Wesley about Cantu. "He's just a good person. He's someone you want to be around. I couldn't be more thankful to Cantu for being our coach." For Cantu, the last two months were a culmination of a long run on the USC bench. "I have been very fortunate just to be at 'SC for 12 years," Cantu said. "For me personally, I am thankful to the administration for giving me the opportunity to be an interim coach, to get this experience, and I am thankful to the guys for competing."
And 1...
Looking Forward
At 14-18, the Trojans are unlikely to receive a postseason bid to the NIT, but having one of the nation's toughest schedules gives them an outside shot. Otherwise, Pat Haden's national coaching search for the next head coach will be the big story of spring. Stay tuned...
Here are the game highlights via Pac-12.com...
Tricky Utes
Utah built a seven-point halftime lead and held on late by switching defenses constantly and forcing the Trojans into jumpers. USC did not make a single true jump shot in the first half, but rallied in the second when J.T. Terrell and Eric Wise got hot from the perimeter. "It was Utah's defense," interim head coach Bob Cantu credited the Utes. "They did a great job of keying on our key players." The Trojans made only 3/15 from three and shot 12 fewer free throws for the game.
Center of Attention
Without starting center Dewayne Dedmon and back-up big man James Blasczyk, Omar Oraby was forced to play a career-high 35 minutes and responded with 18 points and 10 rebounds, his best statistical game during his time at Troy. "Of course, it's always hard to play shorthanded...but I had to step up. I had to step in and play as long as I can," said Oraby. The junior should return next season to form the core of the 2013-14 Trojans with Dedmon, J.T. Terrell and Byron Wesley.
Interim Coach, Permanent Impact
During the Bob Cantu era, the Trojans went 8-9, but his impact was felt at a much deeper level than wins and losses. "He coached us with passion every day," said Byron Wesley about Cantu. "He's just a good person. He's someone you want to be around. I couldn't be more thankful to Cantu for being our coach." For Cantu, the last two months were a culmination of a long run on the USC bench. "I have been very fortunate just to be at 'SC for 12 years," Cantu said. "For me personally, I am thankful to the administration for giving me the opportunity to be an interim coach, to get this experience, and I am thankful to the guys for competing."
And 1...
Looking Forward
At 14-18, the Trojans are unlikely to receive a postseason bid to the NIT, but having one of the nation's toughest schedules gives them an outside shot. Otherwise, Pat Haden's national coaching search for the next head coach will be the big story of spring. Stay tuned...
Here are the game highlights via Pac-12.com...
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