The USC Trojans walked into Las Vegas and took care of the Kansas State Wildcats, who made the Elite Eight last season and defeated the Michigan State Spartans (the team that knocked out USC) in the NCAA Tournament.
With no Bronny James and no Vincent Iwuchukwu, the Trojans relied on their star-studded two-guard game with Boogie Ellis and freshman Isaiah Collier leading the way.
It worked wonders.
USC got the victory, 82-69, in an impressive effort by Andy Enfield’s team. There is a lot to like, including the impressive trio of Johnson, Boogie Ellis, and Isaiah Collier. Here are five takeaways from the opening night victory: