Coleman Leads USC to Exhibition Basketball Win

PALM DESERT — USC opened its men’s basketball season with a 92-87 victory over the Czechoslovakian national team in an exhibition game Sunday night at the College of the Desert.

Sophomore forward Ronnie Coleman scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Trojans. Guard Anthony Pendleton added 19 points and forward Chris Moore scored 18. Center Chris Monk had 14 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.

“I thought it was a good game for us at this time of the year,” USC Coach George Raveling said. “Obviously, we have to be a much better defensive team by the time the Pac-10 opens.”

Raveling was impressed with point guard Duane Cooper who had 6 assists and 1 point in his first start.

Guard Josef Jelinek scored 33 points for Czechoslovakia, which is 0-4 on a 10-game tour against U.S. college teams. Guard Josef Michalko added 22 points.

The Trojans open the regular-season schedule Nov. 25 against Delaware at the Sports Arena.