Over the course of USC’s undefeated start, with its star freshman still out, its leading scorer nursing an ailing shoulder and one of its best defenders down because of an injured hip, coach Eric Musselman had still managed to make the best of his ravaged USC roster.
USC had won eight straight through its nonconference slate. It swept through the Maui Invitational, beating three real teams in the process. With every punch, the Trojans had been ready to punch back.
Then came Saturday, when a former Trojan would deliver the knockout blow in the Big Ten opener, ending USC’s undefeated start in the most painful fashion possible in an 84-76 loss to Washington.
USC had led for all but six minutes Saturday, and in the first half looked primed to run away with their second Big Ten win of the season. But it all came unraveled in the final 10 minutes as Washington scored 24 of the last 30 points to stun USC. It was Desmond Claude, the Trojans’ leading scorer last season, who would ultimately propel Washington to victory.
The Trojans still led by 10 with those 10 minutes remaining, and after such a resounding start it seemed only a matter of time before they kicked back into gear. But they’d shoot just 25% in the second half, after making 50% in the first.
Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with 21 points, but made only one of seven shots after halftime. Without him, the offense dried up in a hurry.
Washington caught fire late, led by Claude, who had just four points in the first half, but finished with 22.
USC cut Washington’s lead to just three with just over a minute remaining. But Washington put the ball in Claude’s hands and he delivered, driving for a lay-in high off the glass and getting fouled in the process.
The Huskies had started the game in dismal fashion, turning the ball over seven times in the first seven minutes and making only two of their first 12 shots.
But those tides turned completely in the final minutes Saturday, dealing USC its first loss of the season — and a brutal one at that.
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