This is USC’s second-straight trip to the Big Dance, and its sixth berth in the last 11 years. The Trojans create trouble solely on scoring and more scoring, averaging nearly 80 points per game while shooting above 50 percent from the floor. There are four players scoring in double figures for this team this season—with Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu leading the way with at least 14 points per outing. USC is a +30,000 long shot in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Team Weaknesses
While the offense causes chaos for opponents, the defense does the opposite. The Trojans rank 194th in the nation in points given up (73.2) and allow close to 30 field goals made per game, including 8.4 threes, both also among the worst this season.
Team Statistics (from teamrankings.com)
Category
Stat
Ranking
Points Per Game
78.7
#44
Rebounds Per Game
36.2
#131
Blocks Per Game
5.4
#11
3-Point Percentage
36.3
#110
Free Throw Percentage
73.9
#65
Starting Lineup
Position
Name
PPG
F
Bennie Boatwright
14.6
F
Chimezie Metu
14.5
G
Jordan McLaughlin
13.1
G
Shaqquan Aaron
12.4
G
De’Anthony Melton
8.7
Writer’s Prediction
USC (+30,000) makes it up to the second round only.
