USC loses sixth consecutive game

It was more of the same for USC’s basketball team Sunday night in what has become a season of frustration for the Trojans.

With five players scoring in double digits, Colorado defeated USC, 83-74, at the Galen Center.

The Trojans have lost a season-high six consecutive games and 11 of their last 12.

The latest loss dropped USC’s record to 10-15 overall and 1-11 in Pac-12 Conference play, leaving the Trojans last in the conference standings.

“It is frustrating for all of us,” USC Coach Andy Enfield said. But he praised his players’ effort and said, “We’re hanging in there. We have confidence in these kids.”

Sunday night’s loss mainly boiled down to Colorado shooting well and USC shooting poorly.

The Buffaloes’ field-goal percentage was 50% (28 of 56) and the team was 47% from three-point range, converting eight of its 17 three-point attempts.

Colorado’s Xavier Johnson, a sophomore forward who went to Mater Dei High, led with three three-point baskets and he led the Buffaloes in overall scoring with 20 points.

The other Buffaloes scoring in double digits were Askia Booker (18), Josh Scott (17), Xavier Talton (14) and Jaron Hopkins (10).

USC, in turn, had a field-goal percentage of 37%, which almost tied its season low of 36% against Arizona State on Jan. 9, and made only three of its 15 three-point attempts.

Junior guard Byron Wesley, USC’s leading scorer, again led the Trojans with 21 points — he has averaged 22 points in the last five games — and he grabbed eight rebounds. J.T. Terrell added 14 points.

“They deserved to beat us, they played an excellent basketball game,” Enfield said of Colorado, noting that the Trojans’ missed opportunities included several layup attempts.

Both teams had trouble with ball control, with each side committing 17 turnovers, and USC out-rebounded the Buffaloes, 40-34.

But it wasn’t nearly enough for the Trojans to hold off Colorado despite Colorado losing Spencer Dinwiddie, the Buffaloes’ leading scorer who suffered a knee injury Jan. 12.

“Five guys in double figures is a great effort,” Colorado Coach Tad Boyle said.

USC did not have Pe’Shon Howard, one of its starting guards, because of an unspecified violation of team rules, Enfield said, adding that Howard “should be back next game.”

Sophomore Chass Bryan made the start in Howard’s place and scored eight points.

“We’re not frustrated with each other,” Bryan said of his teammates amid the club’s struggles. “Losing is never fun. But it helps us grow together as a team.”

james.peltz@latimes.com

Twitter: @PeltzLATimes.com