USC basketball: Trojans lead Oregon, 32-23, at halftime

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Patience. They say it’s a virtue. USC must think so, because behind that method, the Trojans lead Oregon 32-23 at halftime at the Galen Center.

Like most teams have done against the Trojans this year, Oregon is playing a 2-3 zone defense. But USC is being patient, working the ball methodically around the perimeter several times before taking a shot.

Often times, the ball hasn’t hit the floor save for a few times, and USC, ever picky for open looks, has knocked down five of 10 attempts from behind the three-point line. Dwight Lewis (eight points) and Marcus Johnson (six points) have each made two three-point jumpers.

On the other hand, Oregon is one of four from distance, and is shooting eight of 25 from the floor.

Another key difference in the first half was USC’s Alex Stepheson, who nearly recorded a double-double (eight points and nine rebounds) after scoring just 11 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in his last four games combined.

Behind Stepheson and Nikola Vucevic (who has eight rebounds), USC is winning the rebounding battle, 24-13, which explains its eight-to-zero advantage on second-chance points.

-- Baxter Holmes