The USC Trojans went on the road to beat the UC Riverside Highlanders 56-35 on Wednesday night, the first two-game winning streak of the season for USC. It was the Trojans' first-ever trip to Riverside.
Greg Allen had 11 points to lead a balanced scoring attack for the Trojans, that featured five players score between eight and 11 points. USC shot 53.2% (25 of 47) from the field, their third straight game shooting at least 50%.
UC Riverside began the game on a 10-2 run in front of a raucous home crowd, but the Trojans were able to stem the tide with a 30-14 run to end the first half. The opening 20 minutes were a free-flowing affair with only five total fouls called. USC didn't even attempt a free throw in the first half, while UC Riverside only had two attempts, and made them both.
The Trojans held the Highlanders to just 35.1% shooting, including just 23.5% (four of 17) in the second half. USC outscored the Highlanders 24-11 in the second stanza. Phil Martin led UC Riverside with 13 points, but shot just four of 14 from the field.
USC travels to Minnesota on Saturday to battle the Golden Gophers.
For more news and notes on USC hoops, be sure to read Conquest Chronicles.