Trojans lead Gamecocks at halftime in Las Vegas Invitational

USC is winning -- and also losing.

Let's try that again. At halftime here in the Las Vegas Invitational, the University of Southern California is beating the University of South Carolina, 30-26.

The Trojans have been led by guard Maurice Jones (game-high nine points) and forward Dewayne Dedmon, who has eight points and seven rebounds, a huge improvement from his last game.

The Gamecocks have been led in scoring by RJ Slawson, Brian Richardson and Damontre Harris, who each have a team-high six points.

The Trojans are also dominating the boards, out-rebounding the Gamecocks, 21 to eight, after a half that was back and forth with neither team leading by more than five points.

Southern California is shooting 43% from the floor while South Carolina is shooting 46%.

And the biggest cheers in the near-empty Orleans Arena when someone shut off the buzzer after it blared for nearly two minutes with about 9 seconds remaining before halftime.

-- Baxter Holmes in Las Vegas

Photo: USC guard Greg Allen applies pressure against South Carolina's Damien Leonard, who looks to make a pass in the first half of their game Saturday. Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty Images