USC overcomes slow start to beat Cal State L.A., 87-68, in exhibition game

USC overcame a slow start to defeat Cal State Los Angeles, 87-68, in an exhibition game Saturday at the Galen Center.

Freshman guard Jordan McLaughlin scored 18 points and sophomore forward Nikola Jovanovic had 16 points to lead the Trojans.

USC missed their first nine shots and trailed 14-1 four minutes into the game but rallied with their defense, which forced 23 turnovers and made 13 steals.

USC outscored the Golden Eagles, 41-23, in the final 16 minutes of the first half to lead 42-37 at halftime.

“I thought our players at times played really well today,” USC Coach Andy Enfield said. “I’m proud of our young guys. I give Cal State credit because they came out and played great early on, and we started the game 0-for-9 from the field and that’s credit to what they did defensively. And also we had three freshmen on the court and they didn’t know what the heck they were doing. It was a good effort.”

USC shot 42.6% (29 of 68) from the field compared to Cal State L.A.’s 37.1% (26 of 70). The Trojans made 22 of 29 free throws and won the rebounding battle, 46-40.