The USC Trojans came into the 2012 Pac-12 Tournament with a nine-game losing streak, their second such skid of the season, and have lost 18 of their last 19 contests in a season marred by injuries and poor shooting. In the first half of their first round game on Wednesday, it was the crosstown rival UCLA Bruins who went ice cold, but the Bruins still managed a 22-21 halftime at Staples Center.
UCLA used a 9-0 run to end the half after USC had built a 21-13 advantage.The Bruins at one point went 5:42 without a point during the first half
Freshman Byron Wesley scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds in the first half to lead the Trojans. Garrett Jackson added seven points for USC, who shot 30.8% (eight for 26) in the opening half. And they were the hot team.
The Bruins shot just 23.3% in the first half (seven for 30). David Wear scored eight points and had six rebounds for UCLA, who beat USC handily in both meetings this season. Lazeric Jones added eight points for the Bruins.
The winner of this game will advance to face the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats.
Click here for the full schedule and tournament bracket. For more on UCLA hoops, head over to Bruins Nation. For more on USC, head to Conquest Chronicles.