March Madness: Baylor survives USC to advance to Sweet 16
By Connor Hope
Despite another impressive comeback bid by the USC Trojans, the Baylor Bears survive and advance to March Madness’ Sweet 16.
The Round of 32 featured the “comeback kings” of USC against a very solid Baylor squad. With a Sweet 16 appearance on the line, it was clear that both teams didn’t want to go home.
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The Bears controlled the game for a majority of the first half, holding a five point lead at the midway point of the game. The Trojans, however, staged a second half comeback for the third straight game and took a lead in the middle of the second half.
The two teams traded leads for a good part of the final frame, before a four point play by Manu Lecomte allowed Baylor to pull away. While only two points down, USC never quite recovered from this moment. Baylor did not lose the lead again while USC suffered from poor shot selection, untimely fouls and a lack of confidence.
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Baylor’s effort was led by star forward Johnathan Motley, who recorded 19 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Motley was not available for the last minute and a half after fouling out on a careless charge.
Forward Terry Maston was also productive, with 19 points and nine rebounds, and guard King McClure scored 17 points. Lecomte, however, had the most crucial stretch of the game when he scored six straight points, including the go ahead three-pointer.
For USC, forward Chimezie Metu was the most impressive player on the floor. Metu recorded 28 points and five rebounds for the Trojans and forward Bennie Boatwright had 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
The downfall of the Trojans was their bench, which got outscored 25-4 by the Bears. In fact, only freshman Nick Rakocevic scored off the bench for USC.
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In the end, Baylor’s depth and defense was enough to fend off USC, winning 82-78. The Bears will play on Friday against the South Carolina Gamecocks, who upset Duke to advance.