USC Basketball: Three Keys to Upset Baylor in Round of 32
By Jason Reed
Maintain Their Heart and Persistence
I know, it may be the most cliche saying in all of sports, but if the USC basketball program can play with the same heart and persistence as they have it will exponentially increase their chances. We have seen it before, and we will likely see it again, a team with lesser talents overcoming the big dogs because of that extra heart, that extra hustle.
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USC is coming off of consecutive comeback wins, which not only shows their never give up attitude but likely gives them extreme confidence. I would not be surprised if the Trojans are going into this game with more confidence than Baylor. They are riding off of consecutive, great victories.
After USC’s four-game win streak, the team has seemed to play with a grudge. USC holds a 5-1 record since that dry spell, with their only loss coming to UCLA by a two-point deficit. We see it all the time in sports, momentum can be deadly, and it is safe to say USC has some of the most momentum in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Baylor ended their season with a loss to Kansas State. While one loss certainly is not justification to judge a team’s character, it will be hard for Baylor to match that intensity that USC has been playing with.
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If the USC basketball team can utilize their bench, shut down Johnathan Motley, and play with that same intensity, we may see them Sweet Sixteen bound after defeating Baylor.