The return of top ranked freshman Isaiah Collier did nothing to help the USC Trojans as they fell in overtime to the Cal Golden Bears, 83-77, on Wednesday evening. The loss brings USC’s conference record to a pitiful 3-9, and they now sit just 9-14 overall.
Collier dropped 20 points with three assists and just one turnover in his first game since January 10, although he was just 4-13 from the field and 0-1 from three – getting 12 of his 20 points at the free throw line.
While Collier’s return from a hand injury did not lead USC to a victory, the Trojans were in even worse shape when he was on the shelf – in part because Bronny James could not replace the scoring and rim pressure Collier brought to the starting lineup.
In six games without Collier, James played 24 minutes per night and averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. He shot just 36.4% on two pointers and 29.4% from three, while only getting to the free throw line six total times. USC went 1-5 in those six games.
Collier’s return could help USC play spoiler down the stretch, with games remaining against potential NCAA Tournament teams Colorado, Utah, Washington State, and Arizona, but this team is far from the Big Dance and the future of James, who many felt would be a one-and-done so he could play with his father LeBron, remains a huge question mark.