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As the USC women's basketball team took the court against UC Davis in a non-conference battle on Friday night, they did so without head coach Michael Cooper.
According to an official release from the USC Athletic Department, Cooper was suspended one game for a secondary NCAA violation. The school announced that the head coach used an ineligible player in a recent practice.
With their head coach unable to take the sidelines, associate head coach Daron Park handled the coaching duties. The Trojans struggled against UC Davis, falling by a score of 78-69. They had their chances to close the deficit late, but it just wasn't the Trojans' night. The loss was USC's third straight defeat. The team's record is now 3-6 on the year.
Fortunately for USC, coach Cooper is expected to return on Saturday afternoon as the Trojans take on Duke at the Galen Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT.