After a great day of high school basketball, Phenom Hoops tuned in to the Pac-12 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS, as the USC Trojans hit the road to take on Oregon. The Dunks were able to come out strong in the first half, jumping out to a 42-25 lead and at one point, doubling the Trojans. Guard Jackson Shelstad helped lead the charge with 12 points, going 5-for-7 from the floor but there were plenty of others, as 6 other players scored including three with over 8 points or more. But credit USC, as they came out strong in the second half to start cutting into the lead and eventually getting it into single digits. Even though USC was able to get it down to as low as four in the second half, Oregon was able to make enough plays in the end and finish strong, to take home the victory.
Final: Oregon 82 – USC 74
Oregon: Kwame Evans Jr. 22pts, 8rebs/ Jackson Shelstad 21pts/ Kario Oquendo 15pts
USC: DJ Rodman 14pts/ Joshua Morgan 14pts, 7rebs/ Boogie Ellis 11pts
Player of the Game:
Kwame Evans (Oregon): A highly-touted freshman coming in, Evans (a 6’9 forward) has been strong to start the season averaging 8.4ppg and 5.5rpg. But he had his best game of the season so far, as he showed his touch, his skill and mobility, his matchup problems in getting to the line, as well as being comfortable in stepping out as well. He was quite impressive and showed why he was regarded as a 5-star prospect.
Other Standout Players:
Jackson Shelstad (Oregon): The guard really got the Ducks going in the first half like we mentioned, hitting open shots from multiple levels, hitting big threes, and also making plays in a variety of ways. He started the game off strong with 12 first-half points and ultimately finished with 21 points.