The shame wasn’t in the loss, but in how the game was lost.
Coach Andy Enfield knew what was coming but failed to prepare his team for one of the most important games in program history.
The Trojans were confused.
They were overwhelmed.
And after 40 disorienting and disheartening minutes Tuesday night, they were out of the NCAA tournament, their visions of a March miracle destroyed by an 85-66 reality check from No.1 and unbeaten Gonzaga in the West Regional final.
USC was never in the game, down by seven points after only two minutes and 21points after 14.