The Oklahoma Sooners defeated the USC Trojans on a buzzer-beating putback basket by Otega Oweh. When a team breaks a tie and scores with no time left, everyone identifies that as the game-deciding play. Narrowly, that is true.
Yet, the Trojans’ 72-70 loss to the Sooners in San Diego was created by a larger trend, not just one play at the very end. Sure, Oklahoma needed that putback bucket to finish off its victory over the Trojans, but USC put itself in position to lose primarily because its top recruit and its future NBA lottery pick did not play well.
USC’s Isaiah Collier doesn’t have to score a lot to be a great and centrally important player for the Trojans this season. Collier is the kind of player who can dominate without scoring. If he penetrates and gets into the paint and feeds the ball to his big men or his wing shooters, he can make a huge impact. Even if he misses a six-foot floater, the fact that he is getting into the lane and drawing defenders opens up putback opportunities for his forwards.
Against Oklahoma, that did not happen very often. Collier’s 10 points aren’t disappointing at all. What matters is that he committed six turnovers against just four assists. What matters is that he earned only two free throws. Collier not creating shots for teammates, not getting to the foul line, and not protecting the ball goes against USC’s blueprint for a great season: more easy baskets, fewer scoring droughts, consistent offense, everyone getting involved.
Those things are not happening. USC head coach Andy Enfield has to work with his star point guard and get him on track. USC has one week before a huge December 2 game against Gonzaga in Las Vegas. All eyes will be on Isaiah Collier, waiting to see if this talented player can become his best self.
If not, USC will continue to struggle, and a season full of promise will fall short.
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