For the first time in nine years, the USC Trojans enter the season ranked in the Top 25. They will look to start their season off with a win over the Cal State Fullerton Titans.
TV Schedule: Friday, November 10, 10:00 p.m. ET, PAC-12 Network
Arena: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
After a hot start to the 2016-17 season cooled off in Pac-12 play, the USC Trojans were able to steal a couple games in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Baylor in the second round. It was easy to expect some of the Trojan stars to leave. However, the top eight scorers from last season return this year to lead a USC team that looks like a Final Four contender.
The 2017-18 USC roster is loaded from top to bottom, featuring one of the best starting lineups in the country and a solid bench to provide extra production. Jordan McLaughlin, Elijah Stewart, De’Anthony Melton, Charles O’Bannon, and Derryck Thornton form a very athletic and versatile backcourt, while Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu are one of the most exciting frontcourts in the NCAA.
The USC Trojans enter the season at No. 10 in the country and were voted second in the Pac-12 preseason poll. The biggest question facing this team is the status of Melton, who missed the Trojan’s scrimmage games amid the FBI scandal.
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Andy Enfield’s team will open up the season against the CSU Fullerton Titans, who do not appear to pose much of a threat to the deep USC squad.
Last season, the Titans finished third in the Big West, and the play of freshman power forward Jackson Rowe was a big reason why. Assuming Rowe progresses in his sophomore season, the Titans are a possible contender for the Big West title. Rowe is joined by guards Khalil Ahmad and Kyle Allman, and all three will need to take on bigger offensive roles if the Titans want to compete.
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In this season opener, both USC and CSU Fullerton fans will get an opportunity to see their star players’ progression. While the Titans are certainly a team that can contend for an NCAA Tournament bid, USC just has too much firepower to make this contest anything more than a tune-up game for USC.
Prediction: USC 86, CSU Fullerton 63