The USC Trojans men’s basketball team head coach Eric Musselman is building positive habits with his team. The 82-68 win over the San José State Spartans proved to be an opportunity to improve offensive confidence and discipline on defense.
“We need to find a combination of guys who can react to loose balls and create some more things defensively,” Musselman said. “We got to continue to tinker.”
His starting line up included sophomore guard Kevin Patton Jr. who has to improve when it comes to 50/50 balls.
“[Patton Jr.] gambled off of a strong side corner, gave a three,” Musselman said. “He’s a young player and so he’s going to learn some of these defensive principle discipline defender type stuff.”
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Graduate student guard Chibuzo Agbo and sophomore guard Terrance Williams II poured in 20 points each off the bench. The Trojans shot at 57 percent from the field and 45 percent in three-pointers in the effort.
Agbo scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half. The Trojans went on a 10-point run near the start of the second half; this helped secure their victory.
“That’s what coach [Mussleman] harped on at halftime, just extending the lead because we always usually get a lead but we always not string along stops and scores at the same time,” Williams II said.
This is the first matchup of the season where both Williams and Agbo were not starters.
“The entire coaching staff is super proud of how [Williams] and [Agbo] all reacted,” Musselman said. “No hanging their head, no pouting …which is what you want out of experienced veterans.”
The Trojans were slow to start, which allowed Spartans junior guard Will McClendon to display his strong three-point shooting skills. McClendon ultimately scored 18 points and senior guard Josh Uduje contributed 25 points.
“We didn’t do a very good job on their star,” Musselman said. “I’m disappointed that the stars keep torching us because these guys are having career nights.”
Mussleman wants the Trojans to improve on their defensive effort before BIG 10 play begins. Williams II, who has spent the last four seasons competing for Michigan, knows how competitive Big 10 play can be.
“We’re trying to be more connected on defense and it’s still a work in progress and that’s what these non-conference games are for,” Williams II said. “I tell my guys all the time: these are the learning tests before when the Big 10 starts, that’s when it really matters.”
The Trojans will battle the Grambling State University Tigers on Sunday, November 24, at 4:00P.M..
