In its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2017, USC isn't bowing out so soon. The No. 6 Trojans defeated No. 11 Drake 72-56 on Saturday in first-round play.
Evan Mobley dropped 17 points for the Trojans, who improve to 23-7.
For the 26-5 Bulldogs, who reached the tournament as an at-large selection after a second-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference, Joseph Yesufu tallied 26 points.
Notable Performers
- Joseph Yesufu, Drake: 26 PTS, 5 REB
- Evan Mobley, USC: 17 PTS, 11 REB
- Isaiah Mobley, USC: 15 PTS, 5 REB
- Drew Peterson, USC: 14 REB
- Tahj Eaddy, USC: 9 PTS, 10 AST
USC Limited by Struggles at the Line
Though USC held the lead at the break, it could've been by more than three points had they capitalized on their free throws.