USC Basketball: Three Keys to Upset Baylor in Round of 32

The Bench

If the Trojans want to advance into the Sweet Sixteen they are going to need to use every tool in their arsenal. USC has a good amount compared to other teams their level, and that was evident in their game against SMU. SMU only had one player come off of the bench in the entirety of their game against SMU, USC, on the other hand, had four bench players.

This is extremely significant because as we have seen, USC has the upper hand during the late stages of the game. They aren’t as fatigued as their opponents, and that is huge. The most minutes played for USC was by Elijah Stewart with 36, four of SMU’s starters had 36 or more; two played every single minute.

This was also the case in USC’s game vs Providence. Although Providence did have more guys come off the bench than USC, USC logged 51 bench minutes compared to Providence’s 35. Once again, this added rest on the starting cast aided USC in their comeback efforts both games.

This depth is going to be even more important for the Trojans as Baylor has also used their bench quite frequently. To avoid being gassed out at the end of the game, USC is going to need each one of their guys to step up. If the USC bench can perform, that will only make it easier for the starting cast.