Jackson Shelstad’s 20 points and Kario Oquendo’s 12 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists combined to help Oregon secure a resounding 78-69 victory over the USC Trojans. A valiant 17 points from Boogie Ellis, which included a 33.3% accuracy from the 3-point range couldn’t avoid a sixth defeat on the trot for the Trojans.

USC hosted a formidable Oregon at Galen Center hoping to turn the tides of Pac-12 in their favor. Throughout the game, it felt like the Trojans were there to take revenge on their previous match against Oregon where the Ducks took the victory home by 82-74. However, USC could not capitalize on home conditions and ended up losing the contest.

USC embarrassed at home

USC’s defense was caught off-guard at the very beginning of the first half. However, they didn’t let Oregon run away with the game. Forward Joshua Morgan picked up some pace and got the home team ahead after a while. Moreover, there was a significant improvement in USC’s 3-point shooting as they were 3 for 5 in the opening seven minutes of the contest. But Oregon’s No. 3 Jackson Shelstad made the most of the vulnerabilities in USC’s backcourt and got the visitors ahead once again. Additionally, he became the first player of the night to go past ten points. Nevertheless, USC was giving a good beating to Oregon as they tied the score once again with just 4.30 on the clock. Nonetheless, Oregon got the advantage back by ending the first half at 46-39 in the lead.

Oregon came out with guns blazing as the second half began. They buried every chance for USC to make a comeback. Despite a sole effort from Boogie Ellis with a double-digit score, the gap between the two did not bridge. In the end, Boogie Ellis’ and Oziyah Sellers’ efforts to revive USC were in vain as the game ended 78-69.

Bronny James absent from the starting lineup

While Bronny James is one of the prominent faces of the USC roster, head coach Andy Enfield decided not to give him a start tonight. Bronny is not having the best of seasons for the Trojans as the freshman just had a single double-digit score in his last 5 games. In addition to this, he hadn’t made any significant impact in the 12 games as he’s averaging just 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

Read More- Bronny James’ Shaky College Career – A Worry For 19YO or Just a Phase before Sparkling Future?

Another day of disappointment for the Trojans, as their agony doesn’t seem to end. On the other hand, Oregon takes away the victory for the second time in this very season. However, USC was not giving up points as easily to the Ducks as they kept tying the scores in the first half. Nevertheless, both their offense and defense seem to have taken a fall in the second half tonight.

What do you think of USC’s performance tonight? Tell us in the comments section.

Watch This Story- How Did Caitlin Clark’s Jersey Number Make an Impact for Gatorade?