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USC Basketball: Trojans' Win Streak Ends Against WSU At Home

The Trojans could not overcome injuries, as they ended their winning streak against WSU.

James Brizuela

USC Basketball: Trojans' Win Streak Ends Against WSU At Home
USC Basketball: Trojans' Win Streak Ends Against WSU At Home /
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The USC Trojans were on a two-game winning streak heading into last night's contest against WSU. There has been plenty of hope surrounding the team's resurgence in winning, but last night they could not overcome their injuries to come away with a win. 

The starting five included Vince Iwuchukwu, who was in for the injured Joshua Morgan. Morgan is out indefinitely as he is dealing with an upper respiratory infection. 

To make matters worse, Boogie Ellis was also dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that showed up during the postgame conference. Despite his injury, Ellis still managed 18 points in an otherwise poor performance from the Trojans. 

Starting with the 1st, the team did appear to be showing the same type of tempo they showcased in their win against Stanford. Isaiah Collier and Kobe Johnson worked in tandem for an exciting basket in the opening minutes of the game. 

Sadly, Collier would exit the game in the 1st, leaving the team farther exposed. 

The issue is the usual suspects in terms of mistakes began to rear their ugly heads once again. 

Turnovers are momentum killers, and the Trojans had 8 turnovers, allowing WSU multiple chances for second-chance baskets.

Even with the miscues, USC kept things relatively close heading into halftime. 

It was the lack of success on FG percentage that kept the Trojans out of the game. 

Collier attempted to swing the momentum back in favor of the Trojans, who had closed the gap. 

Ellis also helped the Trojans lead with his three-pointers. 

DJ Rodman also stepped up with a three of his own to tie the game in the 2nd half. 

Despite the back-and-forth scoring in the 2nd half, the Trojans' defense diminished, allowing WSU's Isaac Jones to all but put away the game. 

USC dropped an important one 72-64. It goes to show that injuries to the starting five could derail this promising season. 

The Trojans will get some rest before they face Colorado on January 13. The hope is that Morgan can return to the lineup. The injuries to Ellis and Collier should hopefully be minor enough for them to return on Saturday. 

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James Brizuela
JAMES BRIZUELA

James Brizuela has been a professional writer since 2019. After covering entertainment and the NFL for Sportskeeda, he now works as an Assignment Desk Editor for the LA Sports Report Network which has partnered with the Sports Illustrated FanNation Network, focusing on his expertise in LA sports at the college and professional level.

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