USC Trojans vs Arizona Wildcats Match Preview – Injury Report, Starting Lineup, and Prediction

While the season is still hot and conference plays are still rolling, there are some head-to-head games left to be played in full force. Next in line is the USC Trojans face-off with #12 Arizona Wildcats. With all the history between these two teams, it can be simply put that it is going to be a tough game for the Trojans.

The matchup will mark the 120th meet between the two programs. Presently, Arizona holds a 74-45 record lead in the series and an all-time home record of 46-11 in Tuscon. The first time these two teams met was in 1922. Moreover, since 1979 then they have played each other every year every season. However, the rivalry could be moving to a close next season as the Wildcats and Trojans move to the Big 12 and Big 10 respectively. Let’s see how both teams are doing.

USC Trojans looking weak for the classic showdown

The Trojans are set to lock horns with the pouncing Wildcats. However, the Wildcats seem to have a sure shot to win as the Trojans are currently going through an injury plague. USC’s point guard Isaiah Collier recently suffered a contusion in his right hand, due to which he had to miss most of the second half. More so, Collier is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

Next in line is center Joshua Morgan who has been sitting out for two consecutive games due to a serious respiratory infection. As a result, his return has turned into a riddle. Further on the injured Trojans list is the Trojans’ leading scorer Boogie Ellis, who has recently suffered a hamstring injury during a losing matchup against Colorado. However, this list doesn’t end here. Trojans captain and perimeter defense Kobe Johnson suffered a sprained MCL injury early in the year. Bronny James, although fully recovered, however, still keeps missing out on shots.

The injuries sustained by the players have irrevocably impacted the team’s performance and depth. In addition, the Trojans need to get innovative with their starting lineup in upcoming games.

Speaking of lineup, the Trojans have kept a variable starting lineup this year, depending on the game and player availability. However, Isaiah Collier being the first Trojan to step on the court remains constant, with Boogie Ellis next in line, who too is replaced by Joshua Morgan when Ellis is playing in a game.

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Now, it’s time to look at how the Wildcats have been doing.

The pouncing Wildcats

Getting in line for this historic matchup, the Wildcats will be coming off their lowest-scoring attempt of 70 points during a loss against Washington State last week. Still, the team does showcase one of the strongest defenses across the nation. Notably, the Wildcats have been averaging 91.2 points per game, ranking #2 in the country.

On the other hand, Arizona’s offense ranks at #5 in adjusted efficiency of their offense. Needless to mention, however, the Wildcats too are going through a few injuries including forward H. Veesaar who has been hit by an elbow injury and D. Anderson, who has taken a redshirt for this season.

Moving on to their starting five, the Wildcats included in the lineup are Oumar Ballo, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson, and Caleb Love.

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With such dynamics already prevailing with both teams, all has boiled down to the moment both teams step on the court and enter the showdown.