Drew Peterson felt like he couldn’t miss.
“I don’t suppose I’ve ever shot it like this. I used to be feeling good and my teammates had been discovering me,” Peterson stated.
Peterson scored 23 factors and Boogie Ellis added 18 to energy No. 16 USC previous Utah 79-67 on Saturday.
“The ball was transferring. Having 18 assists after simply six (in a win at Colorado on Thursday) confirmed an enormous distinction,” Peterson stated.
When the Utes lastly acquired inside single digits with 5:38 to play, Max Agbonkpolo dunked and Peterson hit a three-pointer for USC (16-2, 6-2 Pac-12).
Peterson made all 5 of his three-point makes an attempt and went 9 for 10 from the sector along with grabbing seven rebounds.
“Groups have been going beneath my screens slightly bit lately, figuring out I need to get into the paint. So I’m attempting to maintain them sincere by capturing the open threes,” Peterson stated.
USC’s 16-2 begin to the season is its hottest for the reason that 1970-71 staff — typically thought-about the most effective Trojans staff ever — started 17-1 on its method to a 24-2 file.
“I don’t suppose this staff is pretty much as good as Paul Westphal’s staff. That was one of many biggest groups in USC historical past. However I really like our staff. We performed laborious and play properly collectively,” USC coach Andy Enfield stated.
Now at full-strength in his preliminary injury-riddled season, Gabe Madsen had a career-high 20 factors for Utah (8-12, 1-9).
“I type of anticipated this. I put in a variety of work and I've prided myself as a health club rat. At this time, alternative met preparation,” stated Madsen, who has been recovering from a collapsed lung.
Lazar Stefanovic scored 10 for the Utes, who've misplaced eight straight.
The Trojans’ peak bothered the Utes across the rim and their quickness disrupted the Utah offense. A 42-31 rebound disparity helped give the Trojans 15 second-chance factors and 40-20 benefit on factors within the paint.
“There’s nothing USC doesn’t have. They've nice level guard play, nice athleticism up and down the lineup, elite dimension and flexibility. While you make errors, they make you pay,” Utah coach Craig Smith stated.
USC led by as many as 15 within the first half when Peterson made a three-pointer to make it 29-14. Madsen’s trio of threes and a few key performs introduced the Utes to inside 35-30 on the half.
“It wasn’t simple and it’s robust coming to the mountains however I’m very pleased with our staff for regrouping after a tricky week final week. We got here again with the kind of protection we anticipate out of them,” Enfield stated.
Branden Carlson, Utah’s main scorer, is nearing a return however sat out and has now missed 5 video games due to appendicitis.
USC defeated Utah 93-73 on Dec. 1 in Los Angeles.
Post a Comment