A good losing streak?

The "anyone, anywhere, anytime" attitude that permeates the USC football team has clearly rubbed off on Trojan basketball.

Anyone? #4 Kansas and #2 Memphis.

Anywhere? Galen Center and Madison Square Garden.

Anytime? Try playing those teams just two days (and 3,000 miles) apart.

It made a lot of sense for USC to schedule this stretch (which was preceded by a victory over Oklahoma) In fact, despite falling in both contests, the Trojans probably gained more than they lost.

The Trojans walked away with some time to rest, reflect and learn from their games with two of the nation's best teams. Considering their youth, this stretch should go a long way in building a cohesive unit that will be a serious deep-tournament threat come March.

Three-pointers from the Memphis game:

Highlights

• Davon Jefferson had two jaw-dropping dunks, including one behind his head on an ally-oop from O.J. Mayo.
• On defense, Mayo had no problem shutting down Derrick Rose, Memphis' own highly touted freshman.
• Coach Tim Floyd implemented a triangle defense that frustrated Memphis' top scorers and allowed the Trojans to control the pace of the game.

Concerns

• Sloppy shooting resulted in a terrible percentage from the field (28.8%).
• Turnovers (21) continue to plague the Trojans.
• The lack of a true big man hurt, especially when Taj Gibson fouled out.

Mixed Emotions

• O.J. Mayo showed great poise and maturity throughout most of the game, but he tried to force things late. It looked like he wanted to put everything on his shoulders, couldn't quite do it against one of the best teams in the nation. This late switch showed a hint of immaturity.
• Daniel Hackett missed what might have been the game-winning free throw with under six seconds to play in regulation. Of course, the Trojans would never have been that close without his solid all-around effort.
• The team was obviously tired. Between the busy schedule and jet lag, things might have turned out differently with better circumstances.

Media

• This was a great opportunity to promote the program on the national stage (as if the hype of guys like Mayo, DeRosan, and Romeo wasn't enough).
• As Dickie V pointed out, if this team is 6th best in the Pac-10, there's no doubt which conference is strongest.
• ESPN's telecast had subpar stats and graphics. Its went long periods without showing key information such as foul totals.

Comments

[Gerrrg]

If only they didn't lose to Mercer...

[HBC]

I actually think they'll get more from losing this game than if they had won. This young team does not need any false confidence to rest on. And please, people, lay off O.J. Mayo. He's the whole reason we were even in this game. I can't think of anyone else on that team I want shooting the ball down the stretch so keep shooting O.J.!!!

[PK-IN-THE-MESA]

the truth is ; after watching the sec. half the refs mainly call it the other way and the annoucers were terible but what do you expect from espn

and memphis walk about 20 times in this game and got called about 5 times