USC opens Orlando Invitational with victory over Fairfield
Highlights from USC’s victory over Fairfield at the Orlando Invitational on Thursday.
Onyeka Okongwu had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and USC beat Fairfield 54-47 in a first-round game at the Orlando Invitational on Thursday.
Jonah Matthews scored 14 points and Elijah Weaver added 13 for the Trojans (6-1), who rebounded after their season-opening five-game winning streak was snapped in a 70-61 loss to Temple on Nov. 22.
Fairfield (1-5) got 16 points from Landon Taliaferro and 13 from Jesus Cruz.
USC overcome an eight-point deficit with 12 minutes left in the first half to take a 25-22 lead at the break. Weaver opened the second half with a pair of 3’s to help USC go up 14 points with 8 minutes remaining.
Turnovers as well as poor rebounding and free-throw shooting send USC to its first loss of the season — a 70-61 setback against visiting Temple.
USC dominated in the paint, outscoring Fairfield 24-6. The Trojans also had a 20-4 advantage in fast-break points.
Fairfield shot just 27% (17 of 63) and USC went 20 for 48 (41.7%).
Up next for USC
Trojans will play Marquette in the semifinals Friday.
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