With official news coming earlier in the day that they would be without Aaron Fuller, their second-leading scorer and leading rebounder, for the rest of the season, the USC Trojans played perhaps their guttiest game of the season Thursday night in Eugene, Oregon. But it wasn't quite enough as the Trojans lost 65-62 to the Oregon Ducks.
The loss was the seventh straight for USC, which fell to 0-6 in Pac-12 Conference play, the Trojans' worst start since 1989, when they began 0-12.
Center Dewayne Dedmon had his finest game of the year for USC with 18 points and seven rebounds. He shot seven of 10 from the field, and helped USC get easy buckets, a phrase not often used to describe the Trojans this season. USC shot 41.0% from the field, which may sound mediocre, but considering the Trojans had eclipsed 40% shooting just once in their previous 10 games Thursday is considered a success.
Maurice Jones scored 22 points to lead the Trojans, and hit a pair of free throws with 24 seconds remaining to pull USC to within one point. But they weren't able to get closer. Garrett Sim scored 20 points to lead Oregon, while Devoe Joseph chipped in with 16 points, including two free throws with 16 seconds remaining to put the Ducks up by three points.
A three-point attempt with six seconds left by Jones would have tied the game, but instead the ball caromed into the hands of Joseph, sealing the win for Oregon. USC plays Oregon State in Crovallis on Saturday night.
For more information on USC basketball, be sure to read Conquest Chronicles.