Augustine Can’t Shoulder Load

Playing with tendinitis in his right shoulder, freshman Kevin Augustine was held scoreless and had one assist in 12 minutes in an 81-71 loss to Long Beach State on Saturday night. Doctors have compared Augustine’s right rotator cuff to that of someone who pitched too many nine-inning games.

USC’s 4-5 record is its worst nine-game start since the 1987-88 season, when the Trojans went 2-7 en route to a 7-21 record.

The Trojans made seven of seven three-point baskets in the first half, with junior Adam Spanich making four. In the second half, the Trojans shot 22.2% on two-of-nine shooting from three-point range.

Long Beach State shot a season-high 51.7% against USC. Its previous high came against Southern Illinois on Dec. 4--46.7% in a 75-72 overtime loss.