GameDay Open Thread: USC vs. Western Michigan (Diamond Head Classic)

by Joey Kaufman on Dec 22, 2009 9:55 AM PST Comment 41 comments

USC Trojans vs. Western Michigan, December 22, 2009 2:00 PST, ESPNU

While Western Michigan may not have the pedigree of either Texas or Tennessee, they should still provide the Trojans with an interesting test this afternoon. It is feasible that USC, which is coming off a possibly program altering victory against the Volunteers, could overlook a middle of the road MAC team like Western Michigan, and therefore, come out flat against the Broncos. This trend existed under previous coaches, Henry Bibby and Tim Floyd, so it isn't out of the question it could reoccur today. Yet, if the Trojans wish to take the next step as a program, they must prove they can follow up a big-time win such as the one over Tennessee with victories over inferior foes. Thus, this afternoon should provide an opportunity for us fans to further understand where this program is at.

But before we get carried away, here's a closer at the competition - Western Michigan:

SCOUTING THE BRONCOS -- Western Michigan (4-4) is coming off a 72-64 home win vs. Kennesaw State on Dec. 19. The Broncos returned three starters from a team that went 10-21 a year ago. WMU is led in scoring by senior guard David Kool (21.5 ppg), sophomore forward Flenard Whitfield (12.3 ppg) and senior guard/forward Martelle McLemore (12.0 ppg). USC leads the all-time series with WMU 2-1, winning the last meeting 77-62 on Dec. 16, 2005.

Because this is a part of a three-game tournament, it is quite likely that the Trojans will be busy over the holidays:

ON DECK AT THE DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC -- The winner of today's USC-WMU game will play the winner of Northeastern/St. Mary's on Dec. 23 at 2:00 p.m., while the losers of each game will square off on Dec. 23 at noon (PT). St. Mary's is 9-1 and defeated Pacific on Dec. 18 for its seventh-straight win. Northeastern is 2-5 and have been off since falling to Rhode Island on Dec. 10. The final games will be played on Dec. 25. The other teams in the eight-team field are UNLV, SMU, College of Charleston and host Hawaii.

There is a lot of excitement regarding the USC basketball program, as the team is currently on a three game winning streak and has received a fair amount of positive publicity for once after a strong performance this past weekend. The holiday tournament in Hawaii provides the Trojans with yet another opportunity to test themselves against quality competition, while also presenting them with the chance to continue their strong level of play. The most challenging opponents in this tournament are UNLV and St. Mary's so there is no legitimate reason as to why 'SC shouldn't seriously contend for the tournament championship despite a somewhat depleted roster.

Fight On! Beat the Broncos!

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Comments

dfamn!!!!

i cant wait!!

by matthewmafa on Dec 22, 2009 10:02 AM PST reply actions

of course stuck in surgery today so I can't cut out and hit the zone in Time Square

SUCKS!!!

Conquest Chronicles

by Paragon SC on Dec 22, 2009 10:31 AM PST reply actions

Win the DiamondHead!!! Make the tourney!!!!

St Mary’s does not look nearly as good as last year’s squad. UNLV will be tough, but very winnable. I do believe we have the best talent in this tourney. But, with a thin bench, can we last? Foul problems or an ankle sprain could kill us.

But, IF….
we win the DHC, that puts at at 8-4 heading into conference. Then, say we finish #4 with a 10-8 record. Then, we win a game in the PacX tourney. Does 19-13 with wins over Tenn and UNLV get us in the tourney. Maybe, just maybe! Fight on, hoopsters!

by DFWTrojan on Dec 22, 2009 11:36 AM PST reply actions

no way 19 and 13

gets us into the tourney in a pac 10 conference that is so weak..

we have to finish with a 13 and 5 record in conference to even think about making it to the tourney

by matthewmafa on Dec 22, 2009 12:08 PM PST up reply actions

So, 13-5 huh?

if we are that good, then we should win the DHC, and make the conference finals at least. 13-5 might even win the conference regular season, or at least finish #2. say we finish #2, make the conference finals, that puts us at 23-10. and you think that’s the ONLY way we get in.

I would love to finish 23-10, but think it highly unlikely. yet, I believe we can do worse and still make it given that I can’t remember the last time that the PacX got fewer than 4 invites to March Madness. it’s a big tourney, remember. not really that hard to get an invite if you are above .500 in a power conference.

by DFWTrojan on Dec 22, 2009 1:27 PM PST up reply actions

the pac ten is in a wayyyyyyy down year...

like as down as its ever been and with our 2 big man and leanard… i think we will beast every team inside… and then dwight will be the outside man with gerrity at the point.. we got everything.. wow i cant wait i think we are going to be great

by matthewmafa on Dec 22, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions