The Southern California Trojans secured a significant 78-65 victory over No. 5 Arizona in a thrilling matchup on Saturday night. This win marked the Trojans' first three-game winning streak of the season, providing a much-needed boost as they head into the Pac-12 tournament.
Despite Arizona's strong performance throughout the regular season, the Trojans managed to outplay them with standout performances from DJ Rodman, Kobe Johnson, and Isaiah Collier. Rodman and Johnson each contributed 19 points, while Collier added 16 points and five assists to the winning effort.
The Trojans' defense was particularly impressive, holding Arizona's top scorer, Caleb Love, to just 2 points on a challenging 1-of-10 shooting night. USC's defensive pressure and physicality proved to be key factors in limiting Arizona's offensive capabilities.
Throughout the game, the Trojans showcased their resilience and determination, closing out the contest with an 11-6 run and maintaining a solid lead over the Wildcats. USC's ability to capitalize on Arizona's turnovers, scoring 17 points off 18 turnovers, further solidified their victory.
With this win, the Trojans ended a six-game losing streak against Arizona and demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level. Head coach Andy Enfield praised the team's performance, highlighting the contributions of both starters and bench players in securing the important victory.
Looking ahead, Arizona will enter the Pac-12 Tournament as the top seed, aiming to continue their strong season and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, USC will face their next challenge in the Pac-12 tournament, building on their recent successes and striving for further accomplishments in the postseason.
Overall, the Trojans' victory over Arizona serves as a testament to their resilience and potential as they continue their journey through the competitive college basketball landscape.
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