First Four 2017: Three ways USC can beat Providence

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February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) moves the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Getting help from their key players

It may not be time to go full Cinderella just yet. Before any of that magic begins, the Trojans would be better off playing Providence the smart way.

Unless everyone has an off game, making sure that their stars are contributing is a must. It’s the best possible way for them to stay on top of the game flow while also not depending on someone not used to the spotlight.

Welp, Bennie Boatwright made it interesting for about a second, but UCLA ran out the clock. #USC falls 76-74.
— Reign of Troy Radio (@ReignofTroy) March 10, 2017

For USC, two of those go-to players are Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu. Boatwright and Metu are the two leading scorers for the Trojans, averaging 14.6 and 14.5 per game, respectively.

It’s no surprise that the team with the most points wins, so this reason comes off as more of a no brainer. However, should either of them not be feeling it, Jordan McLaughlin is the next man up.

McLaughlin sees 33.9 minutes per game — the most of any player on the roster — and puts up 13 point, five assist, and three rebound stat line.

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