USC basketball opens against Montana Friday night

USC TONIGHT

VS. MONTANA

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Galen Center.

On the air: TV: Pac-12 Networks; Radio: 710

Update: USC looks to build on a 21-13 season that yielded the Trojans’ first NCAA tournament appearance since 2011. But this is no gimme to start the season. Montana went 21-12 last season and finished second in the Big Sky Conference, losing the conference championship game by three points.

The Grizzlies return four starters from that team. USC returns three: point guard Jordan McLaughlin, shooting guard Elijah Stewart and forward Bennie Boatwright. Shaqquan Aaron, on the wing, and Chimezie Metu, at forward, join them. The Trojans haven’t played Montana since 1931. The Grizzlies took that game, 29-25.