USC Falls To San Diego State At Galen Center

Story by Nick Hamilton

With their first game back on the mainland since participating in the Maui Invitational, the USC Trojans looked to rebound to some winning ways as they faced the #25 San Diego State Aztecs at Galen Center.

The Aztecs got off to an amazing dominating start that was captivated by Xavier Thames 3 pointer that opened up the lead 12-2 with a little over 14 minutes left in the first half. The Aztecs continued to dominate as James Rohan scored seven straight points that included a three pointer which increased their lead 27-8 over the Trojans with just seven minutes left. A much needed timeout was called by Trojans head coach Kevin O'Neill.

Coming out of the timeout didn't help the Trojans as the missed their first nine out of ten shots, and also allowed four turnovers.
The Trojans helped their cause by Ari Steward hitting a big 3 pointer to end the first half only down 35-23.

In the second half the Trojans came out much more focused and confident, when the Trojans went on an explosive 18-4 to capture the lead for the first time in the game, thanks to an opening Eric Wise basket at the 18 minute mark. With a much improved Trojans defense, the game remained tight, as the two teams battled back and forth for possession and outstanding shot selections.

The Aztecs would take control down the stretch as the Trojans Omar Oraby would given two technical fouls late in the game. Both Thames and Franklin connected on 5 of 6 free throws from the line that increased the Aztecs lead 64-57 with just two minutes left.

The game continued to remain chippy with just 35 seconds left Aztecs Jamaal Franklin picked up a foul and then a technical foul in protest of the foul he picked up. Trojans guard J.T. Terrell made 1 of 2 from the free throw line and still trailed 64-58.

With nine seconds left, Eric Wise stole the ball from Franklin and kicked it out to Steward for a 3 pointer, and Steward missed. An assertive Dewayne Dedmon grabbed the rebound and made the jumper with just five seconds left.
The Aztecs would run out the clock and pick up the 66-60 victory over the Trojans at Galen Center.

"Anytime you win a road game it's a great feeling, especially at the Galen Center against a Pac 12 team. We continued to battle and stay focused even after sling our big lead," said Rohan.

Aztecs Xavier Thames finished with 14 points, JJ O'Brien also finished with 12 points. Aztecs top recruit Skylar Spencer out of Price High in Los Angeles scored 2 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Trojans Eric Wise finished with 14 points, and Dewayne Dedmon also finished with 5 points and 10 rebounds.
Trojans head coach Kevin O'Neill spoke about the late technical foul on Omar Oraby. "That late technical was a big play. It was immature on Omar's part. The immaturity of the emotional stuff, you can't overcome that against a good team. That's not acceptable."

O'Neill also commented on his team's performance, "we got better as the game went on. We had our chances. We got the lead twice in the second half. But you can't shoot 11 of 20 from the line and you can't be immature. We gave into things at the end and that hurt us."

The Aztecs have won 10 consecutive games against Pac-12 teams, and have finally earned first win at Galen Center in seven attempts.

 A very proud San Diego State coach Steve Fisher spoke about his team's performance, "I'm proud of the toughness and the character of our team to win a like this." "We have a long way to go to get where we think we want to be."

"Beating a Pac-12 team on the road does a lot for our confidence. This will help us prepare for UCLA next weekend," said Aztec guard Jamaal Franklin.