USC Basketball: Missing 3 Starters, Trojans Fall To Colorado

The Trojans fall back to below .500.

The USC Trojans faced a tough challenge on the road against the Colorado Buffaloes. Despite a strong start, they couldn't sustain their momentum, ultimately falling short with a depleted lineup, 68-58. Missing key starters, including guards Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier, along with big man Joshua Morgan, the Trojans faced an uphill battle.

Final from Boulder. pic.twitter.com/tvElBPqzbS

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) January 14, 2024

Ellis, dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, and Collier, sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a hand injury, left noticeable gaps in the Trojans' lineup. The absence of these key players proved costly as the Buffaloes capitalized on the situation, scoring 44 points in the second half to secure the victory and maintain an undefeated record at home.

Despite the loss, sophomore guard Oziyah Sellers emerged as a bright spot for the Trojans, delivering a season-high 18 points in 28 minutes of play. Sellers displayed his scoring prowess, leading the team in points while contributing three rebounds and a steal, shooting an impressive 50% from the field.

However, the team's overall performance fell below par, shooting a meager 36.1% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc. While the Trojans committed only four turnovers in the first half, they struggled in the second half, committing 10 turnovers and shooting just 24.1% from the field.

Looking ahead, the Trojans face another formidable opponent, the 8th-ranked Arizona Wildcats. The upcoming contest poses another challenge, and the Trojans hope to regroup and potentially welcome Morgan and Ellis back for a more competitive matchup. Despite the setbacks, the Trojans aim to bounce back and hope for a better outcome on Wednesday.