USC: Breaking down the match-ups between Washington and Oregon State
By Jason Reed
Match-up vs. Oregon State
We are starting with the lower-seeded, tenth-seed Oregon State Beavers. Of course, in the nature of a tournament, the lower seed is the team you want to face, at least on paper. There is a reason that the Beavers are the tenth seed and Washington is the seventh seed. Just on the surface, it is safe to assume that Washington is the better team.
The difference is definitely apparent, but it is not stark for either side. Washington finished the season three games better than Oregon State in conference play. Again, that is enough to make a difference, but not an incredible difference.
Against USC, though, the Beavers have had a tough time. Oregon State dropped both games against USC by a combined total of 20 points. Both games Elijah Stewart led the way for the Trojans. In the first contest, Stewart dropped 18 points while in the second game he dropped 28.
Stewart will have a notable impact in this game, then, as history indicates. It is not often that he leads the team in scoring, as he is just the fourth-best scorer on the team. However, against Oregon State, Stewart has played his best basketball and the Trojans have benefitted.
If Stewart comes out and has a 20 point performance then I would guarantee a victory for the USC Trojans. However, if Oregon State is able to calm the storm, the game will be much more competitive.
Based on pure talent alone, though, the Trojans should be able to handle the Beavers even with a quiet night from Stewart.