USC Men’s Basketball Dominates Tulane in College Basketball Crown Opener
The USC Trojans kicked off their postseason campaign with an impressive display against Tulane, winning decisively 89-60 in the first round of the College Basketball Crown at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Rashaun Agee emerged as a standout performer, scoring an impressive 27 points and showcasing his all-around skills with nine rebounds and four blocks. This victory sets the stage for USC’s upcoming quarterfinal match against Villanova, who previously defeated Colorado 85-64. The Trojans, now holding a record of 17-17, will aim for their next win on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
USC’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field, including 9 of 18 from three-point range. Agee’s efficiency was remarkable, hitting 10 of 12 shots while helping the Trojans build and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game. Complementing Agee’s efforts were teammates Saint Thomas, who contributed 14 points and nine assists, and Desmond Claude, who added nine points, six rebounds, and five assists. The depth of USC’s roster was evident as well, with bench player Clark Slajchert contributing another 10 points, showcasing a balanced scoring approach that proved too much for Tulane to handle.
In contrast, the Green Wave struggled offensively, only managing to shoot 33.9% from the field. Asher Woods led Tulane with 18 points, but the team was hampered by a series of fouls, particularly from newly inserted starters Percy Daniels and Tyler Ringgold, each of whom faced foul trouble early in the game. The absence of two regular starters for both teams added to the challenge. USC was without Wesley Yates III and Chibuzo Agbo, while Tulane dealt with the loss of Kaleb Banks and Kam Williams, the latter recently entering the transfer portal.
The Trojans dominated in the paint, scoring 50 points compared to Tulane’s 24 and securing a 39-26 advantage in rebounds. Despite a strong start from USC, which included a 22-11 lead in the first half, Tulane managed to cut the deficit to 11 points shortly after halftime. However, a significant shift occurred when USC launched a decisive 15-0 run, led by Agee’s three-pointers and strong plays from Jalen Shelley and Claude. This surge effectively sealed the Green Wave’s fate, with the score ballooning to 75-49.
USC’s first half featured a combination of solid offensive execution and strong defensive stands. The Trojans built a commanding lead, finishing the half on a high note with a last-second shot from Claude, leading to a comfortable 39-24 halftime advantage. Agee was pivotal during this period, contributing 12 points and six rebounds, establishing himself as a key player early in the matchup.
As USC advances deeper into the College Basketball Crown, all eyes will be on their upcoming clash with Villanova. With their potent offense and improved defensive presence, the Trojans will look to build on this momentum and harness the energy from their recent victory. As they prepare for this next challenge, USC demonstrates both resilience and potential, making them a team to watch in the postseason. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if they can continue this impressive form as they aim for greater success in the tournament.
