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First Four 2017: USC comeback stuns Providence

By Evan Lovett

Mar 15, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; Providence Friars guard Alpha Diallo (11) goes to the basket USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) attempts to block in the second half in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; Providence Friars guard Alpha Diallo (11) goes to the basket USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) attempts to block in the second half in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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USC made the First Four 2017 one to remember.

This was familiar territory for the Trojans, being down 17 points. They did not fold, they did not cower, they did not back down.

In fact, USC came roaring back to defeat the Providence Friars 75-71 in a ‘First Four’ contest in Dayton to advance to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Trojans battled back from double-digit deficits 11 times this season, the most in NCAA Division I basketball.

With 6:46 left in the first half, Providence went on a 25-9 run to extend the lead to 44-29, which ultimately turned into the 17-point deficit.

The Trojans came out in the second half tougher, fighting for rebounds and getting key stops on defense, and showcased their athleticism and moxie during a 34-14 run in the second half.

An overlooked team out of the underrepresented Pac-12 conference, the Trojans showed they could compete with top-tier teams, defeating UCLA and SMU during the season.

Bennie Boatwright, Chimeze Metu and Jordan McLaughlin were the three key players for USC.

Boatwright led all scorers with 24 on 8-16 shooting, and added seven rebounds. McLaughlin netted 18 points to go with his 10 rebounds, and Metu chipped in 15 points.

The leading scorers for Providence were Emmitt Holt and Rodney Bullock, who tallied 18 and 17 points, respectively. Holt also took 11 rebounds and the Friars shot an impressive 49% from the field and 45% from three-point range.

Providence simply could not keep up with the Trojans speed and ability down the stretch,. History will show them as one-and-done in the 2017 edition of the NCAA Tournament. The USC comeback is the third-largest in NCAA Tournament history.

Next: Are The Bruins On Upset Alert?

The Trojans advance to face SMU on Friday in Tulsa. The game is a rematch of an early-season contest between the two programs; USC won at the Galen Center 78-73.

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