USC Basketball: Trojans Looking to Get Revenge Over Bruins While Breaking Long Streak

Can the Trojans pull the upset on Saturday?

The USC Trojans men's basketball team hasn't quite lived up to expectations this season. They entered the year with high hopes of being a true contender in the Pac-12, but it's been a dud of a season so far.

USC enters play on Saturday evening against the rival UCLA Bruins, looking to break a long road losing streak. The Trojans have lost seven consecutive games away from the Galen Center, which is the longest streak the program has had since 2015

In their first matchup against UCLA, the Bruins beat up USC across the board. They outrebounded them 43-29, giving the Trojans many fits on the court.

"The Trojans (10-16, 4-11 Pac-12) are the second-worst team in the Pac-12 in rebounding margin. They’re running out of time to address the glaring issue with five regular-season games left, starting with Saturday’s rivalry rematch against UCLA at 7 p.m. at Pauley Pavilion."

Per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times

For the Trojans to take this game at Pauley Pavilion, they will need a total team effort. UCLA is strong defensively, so the Trojans will need to move the ball around effectively.

They can't take bad shots or expect to be bailed out by foul calls. If the Trojans can be aggressive in attacking the rim, it could open up the three-point shot.

USC has no interest in dropping both games to their cross-town rivals, especially in such a poor year. Bragging rights are on the long, so it's time to put up or shut up for USC.