Trojans loses to Oregon 76-74

Story by Brett Shapoff

Oregon holds on to beat USC 76-74. Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP

The post Kevin ‘O Neill era got off to a exciting, near-victory for USC against the Oregon Ducks, but the Trojans valiant effort came up a bucket short at 76-74. The energized Trojans, under interim coach, Bob Cantu, almost pulled-off the upset of No. 21 Oregon, before 4,722, at Galen Center.

This seemed to be a different – more energy, more hustle - Trojan team than we have been seeing up to this point in the season. Perhaps it was the coaching change; perhaps it was just a sense of pride … but USC played with tremendous vigor, passion, and real grit, for all forty minutes … something they had failed to do under their previous coach.

"It's been a tough week," Cantu said. "I'm really proud how we competed and fought. We kept pushing, got back in the game and had our chances. We did a decent job of pushing the ball up the floor and we attacked. ... But we weren't consistent enough to get over the hump. I'm proud of the guys and their effort."

USC was paced by J.T. Terrell’s 22 points and Eric Wise’s 17 points. The Trojans were 24-53 from the field, including, 6-15 from beyond the arc.

From the outset, Oregon’s well-coached squad used their quickness to jump-out to a 12-6 lead in the first six minutes of the game, limiting USC to only one shot per possession, In fact, much of the first half the Ducks were fundamentally sounder the scrappy Trojans. However, the Trojans kept fighting and fighting and were down only 35-31 at the break.

The second half was very similar to the first stanza, in that, USC kept clawing their way back into the game by either getting a key offensive rebound and/or hitting a much-needed three-pointer. Oregon maintained their lead throughout the second half and was paced by all five starters in double figures. Led by Damyean Dotson’s 16 points and E.J. Singler’s 14 points, the Ducks just stayed far enough ahead of the Trojans to escape with a hard-fought victory.

Oregon coach, Altman, commented, "You've got to find a way in some games.”We haven't been sharp now the last two games which is a big concern, but we did find a way to win, which is very important on the road. ... Sometimes you've just got to be lucky."

Oregon won this game on the boards, out rebounding USC 41-30, including, 15-8 on the offensive glass. This, in turn, allowed the Ducks to re-set their offense, and get ten more shots throughout the game…in a game decided by two points. This was the difference.

With 2:59 remaining in the game, USC was down 75-65, but some key buckets by Eric Wise, and some free throws by Omar Oraby and J.T. Terrell, cut the lead to 75-74 with :34 seconds to go. The Trojans called their last time-out and set up a play. They had a good look from Jio Fontan from three-point land that missed, followed by an Eric Wise offensive rebound (and follow-up shot by Wise), then Oregon grabbed the rebound and was fouled to ice the game.

The Trojans played hard, never quit, and can use this momentum for their match-up on Saturday against the Beavers of Oregon State.  

2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Practices

Story by L.T.Willis

2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl National Team head coach
Dick Vermeil. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

The 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practices the first two days got off to a great start, as the National Team head coach Dick Vermeil taken a stroll across the turf football field provided by Astro Turf Company at The Home Depot Center in Carson California. His counter part American Team head coach Herm Edwards to follow after their practice.

Players from across the country being grateful for being invited to play in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game, and for the players from the colder regions, they were in heaven being in sunny California, and giving a chance to impress NFL scouts, hoping to be invited to a NFL tryout or being drafted in the 2013 NFL draft.

Having two great former NFL coaches and former NFL players sharing with them about the life in the NFL, the hard work on the field, but growing up to be men off the field was even more important, which is the main reason for this bowl game being form by the NFLPA, to help prepare young men for life after football.

2013 NFLPA American Team head coach
Herm Edwards.Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

Fort Valley #84 Christopher Slaughter and
former Washington Redskins Art Monk.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The coaching staff of former players such as Isaac Bruce, Erick Hicks, Priest Holmes, Bill Bradley, Bob Saunders,Terry Shea, Art Monk. Darryl Green, Tony Wagge, Martin Bayless, John Embree are just a few names of former players taken the time to give back. Several players on the rosters grew up right her in California, Brad Sorensen quarterback from Southern Utah Grand Terrace Ca, Jordan Rodgers quarterback from Vanderbilt Chico CA, James Nelson offensive tackle from University of Texas Ventura Ca, and UCLA's David Allen running back from South Pasadena just to name a few.

During the practices players are doing agility drills, offensive linemen and defensive linemen working on blocking and pass rushing schemes, and several inner squad scrimmages to get players ready for game day. Also did i mention a lot of friendly conversations among players from opposing teams, kept the spirits of practices very high and emotional, as players were getting ready for battle with less than two days away.

University of Wyoming #70 Mike Purcell and  South Carolina #77 Byron Jerideau.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

So many of young players will now have a better chance to make int in the NFL because of what the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl really stands for, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and his staff are doing something that has been needed for a very long time, a mentor program to help these players have a fruitful life after professional football, to become future business men in their communities, better husbands, better fathers, better men and to not forgetting to come back to become mentors as well.

Their greatest challenge is knowing that they will have to compete at a higher level, practice against players that are just as big and faster, they already have slight edge on the other players who are playing in other senior bowl games, They can talked face to face with with the president of the NFLPA, a Super Bowl Champion coach Dick Vermeil from the St. Louis Rams, former Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards and other former players, and get straight answer on what it takes to be a man in the NFL.

UCLA's #26 David Allen. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Whatever the outcome of the game on Saturday in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game their will be no losers, but only winners on both sides, to get first hand knowledge on the life in the NFL, to have former players coach you for three fun days of practices, to meet young men from other regions of the country is priceless. For more photos from the practices go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on Photo Gallery and scroll down to 2013 NFLPA practices. All Photos were by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Lakers host fans for an All Access Events

Story by Nick Hamilton

All Access Panel from left to right: Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak, former Laker
Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Robert Horry and play by play announcer
Bill McDonald. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Wednesday night was no off night for the Staple Center. as LASEC and the Lakers gave some lucky fans an opportunity to have All-Access to Lakers past and present. Many fans with their kids had the great fortune to shoot on the same court as their Laker team. along with taken photos with Laker players such as James Worthy, Robert Horry, GM Mitch Kupchak, Antawn Jamison, Steve Blake, and Jamaal Wilkes.

The fans were also treated to an in depth panel led by Lakers play by play announcer Bill McDonald. McDonald asked the first panel that consisted of James Worthy, Wilkes, Horry and Kupchak a series of questions surrounding the current Laker team, NBA rule changes and more.

Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports

One more response stood out amongst the fans when the panel was asked what player would you start a team with. Everyone answered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or some other Laker except Wilkes.Who surprise many by responding "I know this may not be the popular answer....but I'd have to go with Bill Russell." The crowd wasn't too pleased by that answer,as McDonald sort of egged on the crowd by saying. whoa you chose a Celtic amongst Lakers fans.

Everyone laughed it off, as Wilkes explained and later recanted his answer by saying, "can I go back and say Kareem now." The second panel consisted of current players Steve Blake who is recovering from abdominal injury, Antawn Jamison, and coach Mike D'Antoni.

Lakers' coach Mike D.Antoni. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Former Laker Jamaal Wilkes, Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Antawn Jamison. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

Everyone was in a festive mood as the Lakers were on a current two game winning streak. It was good to see Coach D'Antoni in a relaxed, good mood for a change. A great time was had by all in attendance, another great event hosted by Kathryn Schloessman and LASEC. For more photos from this event go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on Photo Gallery 2 and scroll down to the Lakers Media All Access. All photos were by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

LMU holds on to beat Santa Clara 84-80

Story by L.T.Willis

LMU's #3 Anthony Ireland. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

A slow start from LMU (8-8,1-2) home opener in the WCC at Gersten Pavilion against Santa Clara (12-5,1-2) had everyone on the edge of the seat as the Lions squeak out a 84-80 victory. The Broncos jumped on the Lions to take a 20-6 early in the first half, before the Lions started to settle down on offense. The Lions defense was starting to clamp down on the Broncos.

The bench came up big as Ashley Hamilton came in and scored 17 points, along with Ayodeji Gbeyemi 13 points with Anthony Ireland 29 points was a major factor in the their come from behind victory 84-80. The hot shooting from Evans Roquemore and Brandon Clark help the Broncos have a 44-35 half time lead.

The Lions' defense would help them get back in the game as they force the Broncos into 20 turnovers on 10 steals. Down by 9 points 49-38, the Lions went on a 8-0 run to close the gad to 50-49 at the 15:45 mark of the second half, and that's when the game became a dog fight.

LMU's #5 Ashley Hamilton. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

With 12:50 left in the game the Lions tied the game 53-53 with a floater from Ireland in the paint, and finally took the lead 54-53 with a free throw by Egbeyemi minutes later. The game was tied once again 66-66 with 4:48 until Hamilton monster dunk gave the Lions the lead 68-66.

The Broncos wouldn't go away, but the great free throw shooting down the stretch from Anthony Ireland who was 6 for 6 and the Lions 8 for 10 were able to keep the Broncos from catching up, and help seal the 84-80 victory for LMU.

The defense really pick up when it had to make a stand, or else it could have really got ugly for LMU early in the first in the first half. Great team free throw shooting for the Lions 21 of 25, while the Broncos were 15 for 20." We did a much better job in the second half staying with guys on defense,"Good said."

Santa Clara's #15 Marc Trasolini. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

" That helped us become more aggressive on offense."Those back to back three pointers by Ireland were huge for us," said Coach Good."We called plays for him to take those shots," and he delivered when he had too." LMU's Anthony Ireland finish with 29 points, Ashley Hamilton 17 points and Ayodeji Gqbeyemi 13 points.

For Santa Clara Evan Roquemore he finish with 21 points, Brandon Clark 17 points and Raymond Cowels III 15 points and 11 rebounds. LMU will host Portland on Jan 12 at 7pm. For more photos from this game go to our website at www.tgsportstv.com, click on Photo Gallery 2 and scroll down to Santa Clara @ LMU. All photos were by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

USC Trojans didn't have enough to out last Cal's back court

Story by Nick Hamilton

USC's Jio Fontan. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

The USC Trojans came off an impressive emotional one point victory on Thursday night against the Stanford Cardinal, for their first Pac-12 conference win.

The Cal Golden Bears looked to turn the corner after their blow out loss to the UCLA Bruin on Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion.

Cal proved to be too much offense and defense for the Trojans down the stretch as they picked up their first Pac-12 victory against the Trojans 72-64. Led by the Pac-12 leading scorer Allen Crabbe who finished with 27 points on Saturday night for Cal.

USC came out focused as Byron Wesley sank a three pointer as the Trojans their first lead and basket of the game. Then Crabbe came off the steal and dunked the ball for Cal's first basket of the game.

After the first television timeout, Cal would regain the lead not relinquish until halftime after fighting through a see saw battle of scoring against the Trojans who trailed 32-29. Crabbe had eight points in the first half who went on to explode in the second half. 

It felt good to finally hit a 3, everyone knows I've been struggling. I don't know how long it's been since I hit one. But you continually believe that you can make them. I knew everybody was going to be trying to stop Allen from getting the ball, and Justin. I knew if they just came to me and I had a good look that I was supposed to shoot the ball and I have the confidence to shoot it," said Wallace.

Cal's #23 Allen Crabbe and theTrojans' #22
Byron Wesley. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Golden Bears would finish 5 for 8 from beyond the three point arch, which is a drastic switch from their two previous games where they went 0 for 19.

USC is now 1-1 in Pac-12 conference play even though the Trojans had committed only two turnovers in the second half and maintained a 13-8 advantage in the rebounding department. Still would not be enough for the Trojans to acquire a victory. The Trojans finished shooting 40 percent from the field.

"I'm very disappointed we lost. If you look at the stat sheet, we have only seven turnovers and more offensive rebounds, but we get out rebounded and we miss too many shots. When you shoot 40 percent from the field, 18 percent from three and 44 free throws, you deserve to lose, " said USC coach Kevin O'Neill.

Both Justin Cobbs and Allen Crabbe accounted for 52% off Cal's offense against the Trojans. Both Cobbs and Ty Wallace finished with 10 points, as Wallace happened to be the deciding factor in the Cal victory.

Crabbe who went on his own personal 7-2 run midway through the second half, finished with ninth 20 point game this season, spoke more about Wallace's performance.
"I was telling him he's the next Shabazz Muhammad because I know Shabazz hit one of those clutch ones. It was a dagger and Tyrone, he just shot it with confidence. It was a big play for us in the end."

Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

A disappointed Dewayne Dedmon finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, spoke about the loss. "You want to protect your home court and win your conference games. We have to make free throws. That was big tonight. That was the difference in the game."

Jio Fontan finished with 11 points, Eric Wise led the Trojans with 14 points. Byron Wesley who played aggressively finished with 13 points and 3 assist.

The Trojans didn't have a great night at the free throw line finished 8 for 18 and a terrible 3 for 8 in the second half of the game.

The Trojans look to regroup as they take their show on the rod for the next two games against Colorado and Utah before returning home to face Oregon and Oregon State on January 17th and 19th. 

Trojans' Defense and Free Throws Key To Victory Over Stanford 71-69

Story By L.T.Willis

USC's #1 Jio Fantan scored 15 points against Stanford. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G. Sports.

The USC Trojans (6-8,1-0) played their best defensive game of the season and held on to beat the Stanford Cardinal (9-5,0-1) 71-69 in the Pac-12 Conference season opener, a game that went down to the last possession by Stanford. In the first half Stanford was killing USC with great 3- point shooting from Andy Brown 3-4, John Cage 2-2, Gabriel Harris 1-1 and Robbie Lemons  1-2 was 7-13 behind the 3-point arc.

The Trojans wasn't bad either as they were 4-6 from behind the 3-point arc because Eric Wise 2-2 Bryon Wesley 1-1 and Jio Fontan 1-3 kept them from being blown out. Still the Trojans with their bigger front court size with Omar Oraby and Dewayne Dedmon post play was a non factor in the first half. The Trojans finally played a game in which they played smart at the end of the game, came away with a sweet victory.

The rotation on defense for the Trojans were just a little bit slow getting to the perimeter shooters, and they were paying for it, as the outside shots were falling for the Cardinals. The Trojans' Jio Fontan who shot 4-7 in the first half and  Eric Wise 3-5 were doing all they can to keep Stanford from blowing them out. At the half Stanford led 42-33.

Stanford's #33 Dwight Powell. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The key for the Trojans in the second half was their defense step it up a notch, had several basket saving block shots by Omar Oraby, Bryon Wesley and Eric Wise change the outcome of the game, gave the Trojans new life on offense. Omar Oraby got more involve in the offense scored 6 points late in the game along with great free throw shooting from Dewayne Dedmon 5-6 before fouling out, and great play from Eric Wise, got them back in the game. Jio Fantan free throws with 1:51 gave USC a 69-67 lead before Andy Brown tied the game again with 26.8 .

The game was tied 69-69 with 6.9 seconds left in the game when the Trojans' Jio Fontan hit two free throws, and now USC led Stanford 71-69. Stanford had a chance to send the game into over time when Dwight Powell miss a dunk on a put back shot, as the ball bounce high off the rim with no time left, the Trojans came away with a victory. The Trojans played smarter in the second half, and out rebounded Stanford 21-16 in the second half was the difference in the game.

USC's #55 Omar Oraby playing great defense against
Stanford's #33 Dwight Powell. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

" I am really proud of our team how they played hard and never gave up in the game, showing character and believing in one another and playing great defense in the end of the game,"Kevin O'Neill said." The miss dunk by Stanford's Dwight Powell is part of the game, and we are just grateful we came away with a victory."

The leading scorers for the Trojans were Jio Fantan 15 points and 4 assist, Eric Wise 14 points, Dewayne Dedmon 11 points and Bryan Chass 10 points. Stanford's Andy Brown had 17 points, Aaron Bright 12 points, Dwight Powell 11points and Josh Huestis. For more photos of this game go to www.tgsportstv.com , click on Photo Gallery2 and scrolled down to Stanford @ USC. All photo are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Baylor Beats UCLA 49-26 in The Holiday Bowl

Story by L.T.Willis

Baylor's #8 Martin Glasco had a big night against UCLA in the Holiday Bowl.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Holiday Bowl held in San Diego at Qualcomm Stadium produce a one sided game as Baylor ( 8-5) beat UCLA (9-5) 49-26 as Bruins fans couldn't believe what they were seeing. Baylor's defense which is rank as one of the worst out of 120 college teams, kept the Bruins offense out of the end zone, and in check for most of the night. By half time the UCLA Bruins trailed Baylor 35-10, as the Bruins offense couldn't get going.

Baylor scored it's first touchdown on the night when Martin Glasco scored from 4 yards out to make the score 7-0 with 8:01 in the first quarter. About four minutes later Baylor's quarterback Nick Florence  found Antwan Goodley for a 8 yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-0. The second quarter also for the Bruins defense wasn't good for them as Baylor scored again on a 55 yard touchdown pass from Nick Florence to Tevin Reese and now the score was 21-0.

UCLA's quarterback #17 Brett Hundley was being
harass by Baylor's defense all night. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Bruins offensive line had problems giving Hundley time to set up, manage to connect with Joesph Fauria for a 22 yard touchdown pass with 6:21 left in the second, and now trail 21-7. Baylor responded with another score of their own as Martin Glasco scored on a 26 yard touchdown run, to increase the Bears lead to 28-7 with 4:36 left in the second quarter. The Baylor Bears were just having their way with the UCLA Bruins defense.

The Bears got another score late in the second quarter with 1:58 left as Lache Seastrunk rumble from 43 yards out to scored, and now the Bruins were down 35-7. The Bruins could only mustard up a 30 yard field goal from Ka'imi Farbairn with 7 seconds left in the second quarter, and now the Bruins at half was looking at a score of 35-10, and the Bruin's fans were in shock how Baylor had man handle them in the first half.

The Bruins' #23 Johnathan Franklin was held in check by Baylor's defense.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Baylor defense was doing something that were not suppose to be good at on defense, and that's stopping the run, was keeping one of the best running backs in college football under control Johnathan Franklin.`In the third quarter the Bruins had to settle for a 40 yard field goal from Ka'imi Farbairn to make the score 35-13. With 1:52 seconds left in the third quarter Martin Glasco scored from 1 yard out to push their lead up to 42-13 over the Bruins.

The Bruins offense showed up again in the fourth quarter with 12:25 after Hundley  found Shaquelle Evans for a 24 yard touchdown pass and the Bruins now trailed 42-19. The Bears answer back with a 1 yard touchdown run from their quarterback Nick Florence at 7:46 mark in the fourth quarter, and would be the Bears last score of the night led 49-19.

The Bruins' #1 Shaquelle Evans scored on a
24 yard touchdown pass from Brett Hundley.
Photo by Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports.

With no time remaining on the clock, the Bruins got one more score on the board when Hundley connected with Logan Sweet from 34 yards and that would be the final score of the game as the Baylor Bears  defeated the UCLA Bruins 49-26. There will be many questions ask. The play calling from the Bruins down big kicking a field goal instead of going for a touchdown. What are you going to do about the offensive line  that didn't give Brett Hundley time to set up,still had a good night.

Brett Hundley finish the night was 26/50 for 329 yards and 3 touchdowns, but i must give credit when credit is due, his number one weapon shut down Johnathan Franklin, being harass all night didn't throw an interceptions all night. Baylor's Nick Florence had a solid night was 10/13 for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran the the ball 18 times for 61 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground.

Baylor's quarterback #11 Nick Florence. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The work horses for Baylor was running back Martin Glasco carried the ball 21 times for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns and Lache Seastrunk carried the ball 16 times for 139 yards and 1 touchdown. You can see more photos from this game on our website at www.tgsportstv.com. Click on Photo Gallery 2 and scroll down to Holiday Bowl Baylor @ UCLA. All photos were by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.