The USC Trojans faced a huge road test against a ranked Arizona. USC fell behind with a big deficit at half time. but clawed their way back into the game. The Trojans drew to within two points before Arizona retook control of the game. The Trojans lost consecutive games in the state of Arizona. Here is a roundup of recaps, and highlights from Sunday night's contest.
Highlights from the Pac-12 Network on YouTube:
Recap from Conquest Chronicles:
"USC continued to miss critical shots down the stretch going several minutes without scoring any points. Meanwhile Arizona continued to keep the pressure on. With an 83-72 lead and less than a minute left USC began fouling. It would not be enough however as the USC Trojans fall to Arizona 86-78.
The Trojans fought hard, but the offense missed critical opportunities and Arizona far out performed at the free throw line. Yet another loss on the road for the Trojans who were swept this weekend in the state of Arizona. USC is back in action Wednesday night at 8pm in the Galen Center hosting Colorado."
Highlights from Fox Sports on YouTube:
Recap from AZ Desert Swarm:
"The Arizona Wildcats have rediscovered the top of the Pac-12 standings after a win over the USC Trojans on Sunday night. The Wildcats led the entire way en route to an 86-78 victory, despite a late defensive collapse. A late burst gave them the larger margin of victory.
The Wildcats move to 9-4 in conference play, tied with the Oregon Ducks for first place.
USC did get within two in the second half thanks to some lackadaisical play on Arizona's part after halftime. The Cats led by 16 at half, but USC started knocking down threes and out-hustling Arizona throughout the second half to make it a close game."
FINAL: Arizona 86, USC 78. Despite a late comeback attempt, USC can't come away with a win in Tucson. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/QzQgp7o2Wp
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) February 15, 2016
From the Ripsit Blog at USCTrojans.com:
"A far cry from the teams' first meeting this season - an epic, quadruple overtime USC victory - Sunday's game featured a slow start from the Trojans who trailed by as much as 19 in the first half. The Wildcats shot 50 percent in the game and never trailed, but were threatened by a 23-9 run by the Trojans midway through the second half that cut their lead to just two.
Rebounding from a particularly off game on Friday against Arizona State, freshman Bennie Boatwright led USC with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Jordan McLaughlin (15), Elijah Stewart (12), Julian Jacobs (11) and Katin Reinhardt (10) also finished in double figures."
Highlights from the Arizona Wildcats on Youtube:
"Gabe York scored 17 points and the No. 17 Wildcats moved into a share of the conference lead with an 86-78 victory over No. 23 Southern California on Sunday.
Allonzo Trier scored 12 of his 14 in the second half as the Wildcats (21-5, 9-4) held off a rally by the Trojans (18-7, 7-5), who were swept over the weekend in the desert.
Bennie Boatwright, scoreless in Friday night's loss at Arizona State, had 18 points for USC."