A Nice Start to USC's Basketball Season

by Laughing Stock on Nov 16, 2009 11:45 PM PST Comment 17 comments

OK, I guess not technically our season, but ucla lost to Cal State Fullerton in double OT 68-65. Really a very sloppy game for both teams. It seemed like the bruins were taking far too many outside shots and not developing the inside out game when the three just wasn't there. At the same time though CSUF could not finish near the rim to save their lives and it seemed like neither team really wanted to win.

So of course tonight USC hosts UC Riverside which features former Trojan Kyle Austin who was selected pre-season first team all conference. And honestly SC could very well lose this game; Alex Stepheson is dealing with knee inflammation issues and Kasey Cunningham being listed only as probable. Also both Leonard Washington and Marcus Johnson are not eligible to play (although its only for two games for Johnson, have to wait till December for Washington).

I still think the Trojans have the edge with a (likely) starting lineup of Donte Smith, Dwight Lewis, Marcus Simmons, Kasey Cunningham, and Nikola Vucevic, but if they want to win they're going to have to build a lead in the first half and hold it with tough defense as they have almost no bench whatsoever. Well unless you consider a freshman guard recovering from a separated shoulder, a walk on point guard, and an unknown rail thin Latvian giant a bench. Its gonna be a tough battle, and I'm going to try to make it out and grab some pics.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Conquest Chronicles' writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Conquest Chronicles' writers or editors.

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This is great its always a good night when fucla gets beat that’s what coach Ben H. gets for talking smack about USC football this AST weekend. A piece of advise worry about your fucla team and don’t worry about our football team you jurk.

by Dodgermanramon on Nov 17, 2009 12:01 AM PST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Normally I wouldn't give a rat's ass

but after all that moronic BN Schadenfreude over our three fb losses it will be funny to see their hand wringing and infighting (how dare you criticize CBH!) over the most recent failure of Boring Benball.

¡Fusílenlo, después veriguamos! - Pancho Villa

by Locoweed 1.1 on Nov 17, 2009 7:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

HOLLA! LS!

Can’t wait for some of your write-up and prognostications. Basketball! Finally. . . . .

"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}

by BixBeiderbecke on Nov 17, 2009 7:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting year for sure

SC actually returns a decent number of minutes from last year, but its all bench. In my opinion this season could go anywhere from an NCAA Tournament berth to total trainwreck last place finish. Honestly I really like how SC matches up with everyone else in conference on the defensive side, but you’ve really got to wonder where the points are going to come from. Add to that the fact that the team may start two new players once conference play begins and you’ve got the makings for a real roller coaster season.

by Laughing Stock on Nov 17, 2009 8:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"Kid Euro"???

I’ll never forget that one. I aim to shout that cat’s name real loud during games this year. I’m board for 6 games, at least this year. Can’t wait.

"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}

by BixBeiderbecke on Nov 17, 2009 8:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Funny thing is that Fullerton was trying to give the game to the Ruins.

I watch some of it (really haven’t ever been able to watch them) but Gordan can only Dunk or put backs no game at all. Keefe has always sucked, and Roll couldn’t play DEE even if they had a -- to a family members head. So I guess they will have to get Super Ruin boy and Tytittes out there and play.

Please don't tell me what to do or think, what I might say is a personal opinion.

by so.cal.native1952 on Nov 17, 2009 9:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cal State Fullerton------------WOW at least we lost to ranked teams

Please don't tell me what to do or think, what I might say is a personal opinion.

by so.cal.native1952 on Nov 17, 2009 9:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, there’s serious trouble in Howland-land. I think a lot of us UCLA fans realized we were in for a serious rebuilding year, but the shooting was horrible & some of the coaching decisions were a little suspect (to me, anyways). Still, it’s an extremely young team with some good talent so we’ll have to see where the season goes.

Native, you’re still gonna owe me dinner :-)

by impaulv on Nov 17, 2009 2:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Dude we can't even field a whole team against UCR, to win this game will be tough

We will see how it all shapes out, but Ben being Ben he needs to let your team run. If he hasn’t already ruined the game of these kids since they came in, see Ben has always been one dimensional even when he was 18. This why all the guys at Cerritos use to take turns lighting him up.

Please don't tell me what to do or think, what I might say is a personal opinion.

by so.cal.native1952 on Nov 17, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You crack me up Paul, you to Pabo!

¡Fusílenlo, después veriguamos! - Pancho Villa

by Locoweed 1.1 on Nov 17, 2009 2:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cuidado amigo

tus colegas te van a colgar de los güevos

¡Fusílenlo, después veriguamos! - Pancho Villa

by Locoweed 1.1 on Nov 17, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

muchos estamos decendo la misma cosa. no pueden colgarnos a todos :-)

Plus, I think Howland has the teaching skillset needed to turn this around with the talent he has.

by impaulv on Nov 17, 2009 5:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

¡Buen esfuerzo! Se escribe así: muchos estamos diciendo la misma cosa, pero no pueden colgarnos a todos.

Everyone is being a bit overly dramatic, it’s way too early in the season and there’s too many injuries.

¡Fusílenlo, después veriguamos! - Pancho Villa

by Locoweed 1.1 on Nov 17, 2009 6:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

haha, so i mispelt a word but I like my word choice & arrangement

by impaulv on Nov 17, 2009 8:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

not bad at all amigo!

¡Fusílenlo, después veriguamos! - Pancho Villa

by Locoweed 1.1 on Nov 17, 2009 9:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

I think they may benefit greatly from Tyler Honeycutt if he comes back at 100%. They could really use another creator and an athletic wing who can play anywhere on the floor will be a nice compliment to Malcolm Lee. Also Drew Gordon needs to get the ball more, but he also needs to be more aware of what is going on around him defensively and pass out when the D collapses.

Until then I think ucla will struggle as their most experienced players are basically spot up shooters, and that just won’t fly without a dynamic playmaker or strong interior play to break the perimeter defense.

by Laughing Stock on Nov 17, 2009 6:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

KO is doing a fine job

No one is going to outwork the guy and this team looks like they’re buying in. Marcus Simons and Dwight Lewis look great, and so does Nicola. USC 69-57 with 3 minutes left.

¡Fusílenlo, después veriguamos! - Pancho Villa

by Locoweed 1.1 on Nov 17, 2009 9:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs