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

Chimezie Metu Must Contain Johnathan Motley

If the USC Basketball Trojans want to stand any chance against Baylor in this round, they are going to need to limit Baylor’s best asset. Luckily for the Trojans, they too have a dynamic forward that could potentially limit the play of Baylor’s, arguably, best player Johnathan Motley. Motley has put together some fairly good numbers and proves to be a lethal weapon for the Bears.

Motley averaged 17.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during his 2016-17 campaign. Although Motley did not lead the way in scoring in their victory over New Mexico State, his 15 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes was a big part of their win. Motley has been the most consistent player for the Baylor Bears this season, and USC needs to eliminate his play.

In promising news, USC also holds a fairly solid forward that could match up well against Motley. This man is Chimezie Metu, who also has put together a fairly good resume this season. Metu averaged 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game this season.

With 29 combined points and four blocks in USC’s two tournament games thus far, Metu is proving to be a great asset for the Trojans. With his six-foot-eleven frame and his long arms, Metu should be able to lock down Motley with some physical defense. If he can do so, the USC Trojans will certainly have a much better chance of victory.