First thoughts after the University of Southern California Trojans defeated the No. 20 Wichita State Shockers, 72-69 in the opening round of the 2015 Advocare Invitational.
By PAUL GOTHAM
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — How it happened
Bennie Boatwright led a long-range attack as USC erased a second-half deficit and improved to 5-0 on the season. Boatwright was one of four in double figures as the Trojans is off to its best start in more than a month.
Finding the measure from long range
The Trojans shot a scorching 60 percent (9 of 15) from behind the arc in the second half. Boatwright hit 5 of 9 overall. Katin Reinhardt joined the party going 3 of 5.
Unkind stat line
You name it. The Shockers had an advantage. Points in the paint? 26-18 WSU. Points of turnovers – Wichita State outscored the Trojans 24-12. The Shocker bench had a 24-15 as well as a 6-4 edge on fast break points. USC’s edge?
The Trojans outscored the Shockers 36-27 from behind the arc and a 10 to 8 at the free throw line.
Short-handed Shockers
With starting point guard Fred VanVleet on the bench because of a hamstring injury, it was up to Ron Baker to carry the load. The All American led all scorers with 25. Baker connected on 8 of 10 from the floor including 6 of 10 behind the arc.
Handling a change of pace
USC came in averaging 92.5 points per game over their four wins. Wichita State did not allow many easy baskets in transition, but USC showed the ability to adapt.
Taking it to the buzzer
Trailing seven with 35.1 left on the clock, the Shockers came back and had a chance to tie the score at the buzzer. Anton Grady scored in the lane. Baker hit a trey, and the Shockers had the ball an inbound pass with 2.1 left on the clock, but a Zach Brown three-point attempt found the front iron.
They said it
USC’s Andy Enfield: “We were averaging 92 points a game coming in here, we had 72 tonight against Wichita State. That’s like 92 against most teams, they’re so good defensively and so physical.”
Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall on Boatwright: “You got to stand on his toes and make him do something different.”
Up next
USC will take on Xavier, Friday, and Wichita State will play Alabama.
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