USC
6-3,2-0Pac-12
Oregon State
4-5,1-1Pac-12
Kobe Johnson Leads USC Men's Basketball's 63-62 Comeback Victory Over Oregon State
December 04, 2022 | Men's Basketball
LOS ANGELES — Kobe Johnson had a career-high 17 points and Joshua Morgan scored 15 as USC men's basketball won 63-62 in a come-from-behind victory against Oregon State on Sunday.
The Trojans (6-3) are on a 2-0 start to Pac-12 conference play after defeating California 66-51 on Wednesday.
Johnson finished with six rebounds, five steals and three assists. Morgan grabbed four boards and blocked three shots. Drew Peterson had 10 points with six assists and five rebounds.
.@iamkobejohnson turning defense into offense!
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) December 5, 2022
📺: @Pac12Network
📱: https://t.co/EcMQF6gHTQ pic.twitter.com/Pd6m65S1vv
USC trailed by 11 points at halftime and slowly reduced the lead throughout the second half. An 8-0 run — sparked by Johnson's 3-pointer, layup and Boogie Ellis' steal that led to Peterson's lay-in — gave the Trojans the lead with 1:35 remaining in the game. USC's come back from 11 points down at the half was its most since also coming from 11 back at the half to beat UCLA on March 6, 2021.
Oregon State (4-5, 1-1 Pac-12) later hit three free throws after a shooting foul. Johnson made a putback layup and Morgan made a lay-in after the Trojans got a stop to give USC a five-point lead. The Beavers hit a 3-pointer on their next possession, but Reese Dixon-Waters made two foul shots to build back USC's edge.
The Beavers made another 3-pointer that brought Oregon State back within one point. Morgan missed both free throws on the other, but the Beavers missed a halfcourt heave at the final buzzer.
The Trojans played a more tenacious defense in the second half, registering five blocks and seven steals that yielded to 15 points off turnovers. USC turned the ball over just twice in the final period.
The Trojans remain at Galen Center for the next three games and resume their non-conference slate against Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday, Long Beach State on Dec. 14 and No. 15 Auburn on Dec. 18.
Celebrating the dub with @uscfb! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/eysbqOJjjr
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) December 5, 2022
Tonight we honored @BoogieEllis for joining USC's 1,000-point club! pic.twitter.com/wjWKtQIhij
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) December 5, 2022
