This is something USC fans are used to reading, but it usually deals with the football team: The defense fell apart. This time it was on the basketball court.
In a highly-anticipated matchup against Auburn, the Trojans were noncompetitive and lost, 91-75, on the road. They were down 14 at the half and weren’t able to get anything going. Now Andy Enfield has more questions than answers after a 5-5 record with Pac-12 play right around the corner.
Bronny James played again but scored just 5 points in 14 minutes as he continues to ramp up and build his stamina for the remainder of the season. Boogie Ellis led the Trojans with 22 points.
The theme of the day, though, was insufficient performance on defense. The Trojans gave up 91 points, powered by five Auburn players who scored in double figures. Auburn shot 47 percent from the field, 38 percent beyond the arc, and had 18 assists to USC’s nine.
All in all, it was not an encouraging game for the Trojans. Their defense used to be a reliable part of the Andy Enfield formula, but not this season. USC has now lost three in a row and has failed to establish the defensive standard which used to be a regular part of this program’s identity.
Next up is a road game against Alabama State before the Trojans face Oregon to start conference play on December 28.
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