On The Verge

Devon Pollard, TrojanWire

Mayo Tigers.jpg
#2 Memphis edged #24 USC , 62-58 in over-time. AP Photo

When do two losses equal a win? The USC men's basketball team is on the verge of breaking out big time. After going 6-1 to start the season and winning the first ever Anaheim Classic, USC climbed its way back into the AP #25. And although the Trojans have since lost their last two games, making them 6-3, things aren't looking all too bad. That's because the men of Troy have been giving the top teams in the country just about all they can handle.

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This past weekend the Trojans were barely edged by #3 Kansas, 59-55. It was a struggle that wasn't settled until the final seconds of the game. Then again, just last night, #2 Memphis squeaked by #24 USC in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. The score closing regulation was a 54-54 tie. The 7-0 Memphis Tigers pulled in the win in overtime, edging the Trojans, 62-58. And on an off-day for freshman OJ Mayo who scored 16 points, four below his average of 20.4 points per game, shooting 6 of 20 from the field. Freshman Davon Jefferson had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. (*On a side not, I still can’t say double-double without getting hungry…Damn you Inn&Out!)

But the message is clear: these Trojans are a force to be reckoned with. After narrowly losing to two of the very top teams in the country, it looks like the only direction for the Trojans is up. And as this young team gets the schemes down, as they gel together as great teams do, the rest of the NCAA better watch out. USC is on the verge of a breakout season. And they might break you down to get there.