USC basketball team crushes San Diego, 83-45, in season opener

After two consecutive seasons of relying on young talent — and finishing last in the Pac-12 — Andy Enfield’s USC basketball team did something unusual in its season opener: it won, and it won big.

USC took control early in the first half against the San Diego Toreros and never looked back in an 83-45 blowout at the Galen Center. The 38-point margin of victory was the largest in Enfield’s tenure and the most for USC men’s basketball since December 2012.

“It felt differently because we’re a better basketball team,” Enfield said. “We’ve got more talent, we’re playing better as a team. It is just one game, but I’m very proud of one game. After you go through 30 days, 30 practices, 42 days of preseason, it’s nice to go out and play someone different than yourself.”

Freshman forward Bennie Boatwright opened the game with a three-pointer, but San Diego kept things competitive for the first few minutes. The Trojans used an 11-0 run to go up 19-6, and the Toreros never got closer than 10 points from there.

USC’s main contributions came from its talented guards, starting with sophomores Jordan McLaughlin (20 points, five rebounds, three assists) and Elijah Stewart (14 points on six-for-nine shooting, 10 rebounds). McLaughlin was making his return to the court after undergoing surgery on both of his shoulders.

“While I was out this off-season, I watched a lot of film, figuring out where I could play fast and play smart,” McLaughlin said. “I had to learn how to slow my game down. … It was just good being back out there with my brothers.”

Stewart — an athletic swingman who was known more for his defense a year ago — showed an improved jump shot, converting on a couple of contested midrange attempts while also knocking down a three-pointer.

“He’s a better ball-handler, he’s stronger physically, he’s a better defender, and he’s more confident,” Enfield said.

Junior guard Julian Jacobs added 11 points and seven boards, while Boatwright was the fourth Trojan in double figures with 10 points and six rebounds. Ten players logged at least 12 minutes of playing time.

“The nice thing is we are deep at each position,” Enfield said. “I think the rotation will work itself out on its own.”

Freshman big man Chimezie Metu came off the bench and quickly showed his potential with an emphatic dunk for his first collegiate basket. He also ended up with five blocks, which was a game-high.

“He’s an elite athlete, he’s got great timing on his rim protection, and on that last [block], he got about two feet above the rim,” Enfield said.

San Diego made just 15 of 61 field-goal attempts (24.6%), converted on nine of 26 free throws, and 31 of the team’s shots came from beyond the arc. Senior guard Duda Sanadze led the Toreros with 12 points.

The Trojans, meanwhile, were 32 of 67 overall, though they were subpar from the perimeter, going six of 21 on three-pointers. They outrebounded the Toreros, 55-36, and held their opponent to seven assists.

“I didn’t have to raise my voice at all tonight,” Enfield said of his team’s performance. “And I don’t plan on doing that.”

alexjshultz@gmail.com