Trojans Fight Was Not Enough To Get Past Bruins in Tourny

LOS ANGELES - Inside the bright light of Staples Center the Pac 12 Tournament had descended upon us once again, as it became rivalry day between USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins. The 12th seeded Trojans had much to prove not only to themselves, but to the rest of the conference.

In the first half both the Trojans and the Bruins started out in a back and forth battle, to many surprise, the Trojans fought to stay in the game in the first half. The defense came alive and the Bruins had no answer. With absence of Bruins center Josh Smith who was suspended for one half due to violation of team rules.
The Bruins had to settle for outside shooting, and excellent ball movement lead by guard Lazeric Jones.

USC guard Maurice Jones was held scoreless in the first half, which didnt stop freshman Byron Wesley from being aggressive to shoot and create away from the basket. By halftime UCLA held on a slim 22-21 over USC.

Second half proved to be a totally different for the Bruins, as they came out clicking on all cylinders, Josh Smith entered the game picking up 3 quick fouls, but not before finishing with 5 points, which the Trojans had no answer for him. Bruins cruise to a 55-40 victory thanks to the solid play of Lazeric Jones who finished with 15 points along with Travis Wear who finished with 12 points.

USC's Byron Wesley finished with 13 solid points, Maurice Jones finished with 7 points, 6 assist.

To sum up the game against UCLA whom they have played three times USC coach Kevin O'Neil honestly stated "they [UCLA] are bigger than us in warm ups ok. I think they have the best front line in the entire country. I thought our team executed well especially in the first half, just didn't finish well."

UCLA moves on to play Arizona on Thursday in the Pac-12 Tournament.

For USC, Kevin O'Neil remained hopeful for next season, as he will look to his new recruits, to build up a great program to compete with the rest of the conference. O'Neil also has the support of AD Pat Hayden, so look for O'Neil to grace the sidelines of Galen Center next season.