The Nebraska Cornhuskers get a lengthy 10-game homestand underway this evening, as they entertain the USC Trojans in a non-conference affair from the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln.
The Huskers' current schedule has them staying at home all the way until a Big 12 Conference bout at Missouri on January 12th. Nebraska has made the most of its home games already, opening the season with back-to-back wins. The team, however, didn't fare as well in its recent visit to San Juan, going 1-2 in the Puerto Rico Tip-off. Nebraska's lone win in the three-game event took place last Sunday in a 62-47 win over Hofstra.
The Trojans, meanwhile, are kicking off a two-game road trip with their first visit to Lincoln since 1991. Most recently, USC defeated Cal State Fullerton, 81-54, on Wednesday for its second win in a row. The Trojans now stand at 4-2 on the season, with this game being their first true road bout of the campaign.
With regard to the all-time series between these two clubs, USC owns a 5-2 lead, though Nebraska won last season's meeting, 51-48.
The Trojans dropped in 52.7 percent of their attempts from the floor and 6- of-12 from beyond the arc, as they pulled away for an 81-54 win over Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday. USC converted 17-of-24 free-throw attempts as well and dominated the boards, 41-29. Maurice Jones led the way with a solid all-around effort consisting of 20 points, five assists and four steals. Bryce Jones tacked on 15 points and Nikola Vucevic posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Vucevic has enjoyed a terrific start to the season, leading the Trojans in both scoring (17.8 ppg) and rebounding (11.3 rpg). Maurice Jones and Bryce Jones have also made their presence felt, contributing 13.8 ppg apiece.
The Cornhuskers played strong defense the last time out, holding Hofstra to a dismal 30.8 percent shooting effort. Nebraska, meanwhile, connected on 54.8 percent of its attempts from the floor and 6-of-12 from three-point land. A balanced attack helped the Huskers come out on top, as Jorge Brian Diaz was the only player on the team to reach double figures, with 11 points. Christian Standhardinger, who leads the team in scoring (11.0 ppg) and rebounding (5.6 rpg) despite averaging just 17 minutes per game, wasn't much of a factor against Hofstra with just four points. Lance Jeter added six points and six assists before fouling out, and he averages 10.2 ppg and a team-high 3.8 apg for the season.
For more USC hoops news, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Conquest Chronicles.