No. 8 USC can't pull off a big comeback this time

Trojans outclassed by No. 2 South Carolina, which earns bragging rights in ‘SC’ battle.

- By ANDRES SOTO

With a comfortable win in hand as South Carolina dribbled out the clock, the many Gamecocks fans in the crowd at Crypto.com Arena broke into a deafening chant.

“USC! USC! USC!”

The final buzzer sounded. The Gamecocks planted their flag in Los Angeles and stuck their claim on the oft-debated acronym in the inaugural “The Real SC Game.”

“I would say we got the title until we play them again next year,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. “Until [Nov. 15] again in Greenville, we’re gonna wear that title with pride. So we are, yes, the real USC.”

USC didn’t make it easy. The Trojans forced turnovers and made free throws, but it wasn’t enough as South Carolina pulled away with a 69-52 win.

“Fifty-two points is not going to win us a lot of games,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “We'd like to, if we had to win a rock fight, win 52-51, but I know that we're capable of scoring against any team. We wouldn't know that if we’re blowing somebody out by 40, right?

“So I'd rather get it handed to us tonight even if it doesn’t feel good, and understand what we're capable of doing and getting there eventually.”