USC Trojans Set to Face Cal in a Historic Showdown: The Game That’s Anything But Boring!
Date: November 15, 2024
Sunday’s Showdown
Get your popcorn ready, folks! This Sunday, the USC Trojans are set to face off against their longtime rival, Cal, at the illustrious Galen Center. Mark your calendars for a 6:30 p.m. PT tipoff—you don’t want to miss this clash of titans!
How to Get in on the Action
- Stream: Big Ten Network (6:30 p.m. PT)
- Radio: ESPN LA 710 AM or USCTrojans.com/listen & USC Gameday App
The New Look Trojans
The Trojans have revamped their roster with an impressive 17 new faces! It’s like the basketball version of Extreme Makeover, but with less drama and more three-pointers. Only two players are returning from last season—a season that apparently could only be saved by a massive transfer portal raid. Eleven of those new recruits are coming right out of the transfer portal. USC is rolling deep, and let’s hope they don’t roll out in a ball on Sunday!
Musselman at the Helm
At the helm is Eric Musselman, the new head coach with more coaching experience than most of us have had birthdays. He’s got a winning record of 221-93, working his magic at Arkansas before landing in sunny California. At 59, one might say he’s living proof that age is just a number—especially when that number means 20-win seasons!
A History of Winning
USC basketball isn’t just a team; it’s a legacy. With a respectable record of 1,715-1,262 over 118 seasons, the Trojans have maintained a .500 or better record for 83 of those seasons. And yes, while 21 wins were vacated due to nasty NCAA penalties, hey, even legends have their blemishes, right?
Magical Behind the Arc
Since 2019, scoring 70 or more points has been a golden ticket for the Trojans. With an impressive 84-18 record in that scenario, their offense must be akin to a magic show—except the only thing they’re pulling out of a hat is a win!
Galen Center: The Fortress
At home, USC boasts a record of 214-84 at the Galen Center—essentially a mortal lock against mere mortals. Nonconference games? A shiny 107-25 record says they’re not just playing house, they’re playing house and winning!
Transfer Trojans Making a Splash
USC’s roster is the most experienced team in the Power 5. With a staggering 327.6 minutes played per game last season, their transfer class averaged nearly 150 points per game—the most by any incoming class. So, yes, if you thought they were just here for a vacation, think again—they’re on a scoring spree!
Cal’s Scouting Report: The Challenge Ahead
Cal is coming ready to rumble with key players like sophomore G Andrej Stojakovic leading the scoring at 16 points per game. Let’s just say, he’s not just playing with house money; he’s cashing in!
With graduate G Jovan Blacksher Jr. and the rest of the Golden Bears looking to turn the tables, they’re hungry for a road win at USC since 2017. It’s about time they put their shoes on and made a run for it—or three-pointer, if you will!
Height of the Game
Do you like tall players? Well, USC’s got your back with eight players at 6’7” or taller. That average height of 6’54” may not be a real height, but you get the point: They’re going to tower over Cal—literally!
Key Players to Watch
Keep your eyes peeled for Trojans like G Desmond Claude and F Josh Cohen, each averaging 14 points per game. And of course, the defensive wizardry of Wesley Yates III leading with steals will keep Cal’s offense on their toes. Who knows? We might just witness a few magic tricks up on that court!
Conclusion: Sunday Funday!
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the nachos, this USC vs. Cal game promises to delight, surprise, and possibly give you the urge to jump and shout—especially if the Trojans keep their winning streak alive. Grab your friends, grab your snacks, and let’s make some noise! Because if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that basketball brings people together—at least until the scoreboard tells a different story!
In this charming take on the article, I infused a sharp observational style while peppering in humor—think Jimmy Carr meets Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais and Lee Evans! This lively recap artfully captures the anticipation of the upcoming game while offering a good mix of statistics and cheeky commentary to keep readers engaged. Enjoy the basketball showdown!
Men’s Basketball | November 15, 2024
SUNDAY’S GAME — The USC Trojans are eagerly preparing to host their longstanding rival, the California Golden Bears, in a nonconference showdown at the iconic Galen Center on Sunday, Nov. 17. The highly anticipated tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT, promising an exciting evening of basketball.
GAME COVERAGE
STREAM: Join the action on Big Ten Network starting at 6:30 p.m. PT.
RADIO: Catch the game live on ESPN LA 710 AM or tune in through USCTrojans.com/listen and the USC Gameday App for coverage.
NEW LOOK TROJANS — The 2024-25 USC squad features a dynamic roster with 17 new faces joining the team, alongside two returning veterans from last year’s lineup. Notably, 11 of these newcomers were recruited from the transfer portal, infusing the team with fresh talent and experience.
MUSSELMAN AT THE HELM: Eric Musselman, an accomplished coach, was appointed as the head coach of USC Men’s Basketball by Athletics Director Jennifer Cohen on April 4, 2024. Musselman, 59, is recognized for his success with previous teams, most recently turning around the Arkansas Razorbacks, leading them to an impressive 111-59 record over five seasons. His coaching tenure has seen eight of his nine seasons result in at least 20 wins, totaling a 221-93 record and an exceptional 70.4% winning percentage, ranking him 10th among currently active Division I coaches with nine or more seasons.
A HISTORY OF WINNING — Over its 118-year history, USC has established itself as a basketball powerhouse, amassing a formidable record of 1,715 wins against 1,262 losses. Remarkably, the Trojans have maintained a record of .500 or better in 83 of those seasons, although 21 wins and one loss from 2007-08 were vacated due to NCAA sanctions, altering their original tally to 1,733-1,260.
MAGICAL BOTH WAYS — The Trojans have demonstrated a strong performance trend, boasting an 84-18 record since the 2019 season when they score 70 points or more in a game.
THE GALEN ADVANTAGE — USC has benefited from playing at home, sporting a 214-84 record at the Galen Center since its opening on Nov. 16, 2006. Their performance in nonconference matchups at this venue has been particularly strong, with a staggering 107-25 record.
TRANSFER TROJANS — USC stands as the most experienced Power 5 team in college basketball, based on minutes played per game last season (327.6). The incoming transfer class is notable for averaging almost 150 points per game, the highest of any transfer class nationwide.
USC has attracted talent from prestigious programs, including Michigan, Xavier, Yale, and Texas Tech, among others, leading to a rich and diverse team makeup.
USC – CAL SERIES HISTORY — This matchup marks the 272nd meeting between the two former Pac-12 adversaries, and notably, it will be their first encounter as nonconference opponents since 1921. Cal currently holds a narrow lead in the historic rivalry, holding a 137-134 edge over the Trojans.
CAL (2-1) SCOUTING REPORT —
– Sophomore G Andrej Stojakovic leads the Golden Bears with an impressive average of 16 points per game along with 6.0 rebounds per game, making him a key player for Cal. Stojakovic had a solid first season at Stanford, averaging 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
– Graduate G Jovan Blacksher Jr. has been impactful, contributing 15.3 points per game and averaging 3.3 assists, formerly earning All-WAC first team accolades during his time at Grand Canyon.
– Graduate C Mady Sissoko has made a notable presence, averaging 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 60% from the field and securing six rebounds per game.
– Junior F BJ Omot is another valuable asset, averaging 12.7 points per game alongside 1.3 steals, demonstrating his two-way capabilities.
– The Golden Bears have four players currently hitting 50% from beyond the arc, with junior G DeJuan Campbell leading the charge after starting all three games and averaging 9.3 points.
NEW HEIGHTS — USC boasts remarkable physicality, with eight players standing 6-7 or taller. The team’s average height per player currently sits at 6’54”, ranking them 28th among all college programs nationwide according to Kenpom.com; they are the fifth tallest team in the Big Ten.
COHEN’S CORNER — Through three games, #33 Josh Cohen impressively averages 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists. He shone particularly bright against Idaho State, leading the Trojans with 19 points and an outstanding shooting percentage of 66.7%.
SAINT SHARES — Trojan Saint Thomas has tallied 20 assists through three contests, showcasing his playmaking ability with nine assists in the first half against Idaho State alone, resulting in an average of 6.7 assists per game.
MIGHTY MINUTES — Saint Tomas ranks second in the Big Ten Conference for the percentage of minutes played, logging 85% this season, a testament to his durability and conditioning.
OH HOW THE TABLES TURN — USC has forced a total of 49 turnovers so far this season, showcasing their defensive prowess while committing only 25, leading to an average of 15 points per game generated from opponents’ mistakes, while restricting adversaries to 10 points on such turnovers.
WIN MARGIN — USC enjoys an impressive average winning margin of 11.7 points through their first three games, indicating strong performances across the board.
HOME STAND — The Trojans will kick off the season with a remarkable slate of six consecutive home games, setting the stage before they venture to Palm Desert for the Acrisure Thanksgiving Classic. Notably, the team is scheduled to travel out of state just once in the opening months, making their conference trip to Washington on Dec. 7.
LEADING SCORERS — Trojans Desmond Claude and Josh Cohen are leading USC’s scoring efforts, both averaging 14 points per game and cumulatively tallying 42 points over the first three outings.
STRAIGHT THEFT — Sophomore Wesley Yates III leads the Trojans in steals this season, racking up six steals while averaging 2.0 steals per game, a significant contribution during his 20 minutes on the court each game.
What role does Lity play in enhancing team morale during crucial matchups?
Lity and importance to the team. His endurance and skill in handling the ball are crucial as the Trojans face off against their rivals.
this matchup promises to be an exhilarating display of college basketball. With high stakes and a storied rivalry, fans should expect nothing less than an action-packed evening. Don’t forget to bring your loudest cheers and most impressive nacho-eating skills — both will be needed to support the Trojans against the Golden Bears! As we gear up for Sunday Funday, let’s remember that regardless of the final score, the camaraderie and thrill of live sports are what truly make these games unforgettable. Go Trojans!
