Trojans rely on underclassmen

It’s not hard to imagine where USC would be without its underclassmen.

Freshmen and sophomores account for 96.1% of the team’s scoring, the highest percentage among Division I teams.

The Trojans’ starting lineup has three sophomores and two freshmen, and the first player off the bench is usually freshman guard Angelo Johnson.

Given the poise USC has exhibited late in recent games, though, it might be time to check a few IDs.

The Trojans have shot 61.5% in the second half of their four-game winning streak while holding opponents to 36.4% shooting after halftime.

“It’s understanding college basketball and that it takes five guys to win,” freshman guard O.J. Mayo said. “We have to make sure everyone’s happy, and as long as we’re winning I think everyone is happy.”

Mayo says the Trojans have displayed more patience on offense, resulting in some eye-popping shooting percentages.

USC shot 76.5% in the second half and 100% in overtime during its 95-86 victory over Oregon on Saturday at McArthur Court.

“We’re working the ball around, getting the shots we want . . . instead of putting up a shot maybe 10 seconds into the shot clock and having to play about 65 defensive possessions,” Mayo said. “Earlier in the year, I think that was most of our problem. We were breaking down and getting fatigued toward the end of the game.”

Mayo said he was also trying to get his teammates involved early in games because he noticed that they fared better when they got into the flow in the opening minutes.

“Some guys on the team early in the game, if they hit a shot or two they maybe play a little harder and it seems like we can get them on a roll like Dwight [Lewis] against Oregon,” Mayo said. “He really started off well in the first half and he kept it up.”

Lewis scored 11 first-half points on the way to a career-high 24-point performance.

Sophomore guard Daniel Hackett said it was fair to say that this year’s team jelled more quickly than last year’s team, considering its inexperience.

“You have to have commitment from everybody and everybody has to respect their roles,” Hackett said. “Once they learn their roles, they can make plays.”

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ben.bolch@latimes.com