First Four 2017: Three ways USC can beat Providence

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Jan 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Harrison Henderson (3) celebrates during a NCAA basketball game against the UCLA Bruins at Galen Center. USC defeated UCLA 84-76. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Playing better than their record indicates

Nothing fits the Trojans this year better than being a dark horse.

Given that it’s now official March Madness, there wouldn’t really be a better time for USC to figure things out. Making a deep run in this type of tournament sometimes requires your team to play out of their mind.

No matter what statistics, patterns, or even your gut might tell you, it’s sometimes best not to listen.

Punch our ticket!

USC is headed to the Big Dance for the second consecutive year. #ItTakesATeam #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/xsnK2Kc14i
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) March 12, 2017

Over their last ten games, USC has managed to break even. Providence, meanwhile, has gone 7-3 in that same span.

While those ten games prior to Wednesday don’t directly affect the way the game plays out, it does have a chance to change their confidence.

In that ten game stretch, the Trojans went through a four game losing streak. Falling to Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State took its toll on the team.

Leaving that behind and doing whatever it takes to push out Providence can only come from within.

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