USC leads Oral Roberts at halftime

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USC made 10 of its first 13 shots to build an early cushion over Oral Roberts, then meandered into halftime leading, 32-23. A 12-2 run early in the half gave USC a 20-9 lead midway through the half.

The Trojans received a small boost from Connecticut transfer Marcus Johnson, who was ruled academically eligible this week. Johnson scored on his first two shots and also blocked a shot, denying Oral Roberts’ Marcus Lewis a fastbreak layup that would have cut USC’s lead to six with four minutes left in the half.

Taj Gibson has 10 points to lead USC at halftime.

-- Chris Foster