The Trojans (1-1) used a game-high 21 points from surprise starter Daniel Hackett to defeat the unranked Citadel Bulldogs (1-2) for their first victory of the 2007-08 season in a game played Thursday evening in Charleston, South Carolina. Hackett was expected to play a few minutes in his first game back after having his broken jaw unwired earlier in the week, but wound up on the court for much of the game and converted on 9 of 12 shots from the field.

USC started the game on a 22-2 run, and although they turned the ball over repeatedly when the Bulldogs switched to a pressing defense, they managed to hold off each of the Citadel’s attacks throughout the game, and limited the Bulldogs to under 32% shooting. The Trojans themselves shot over 56% from the field, and had four players score in double figures. Other than Hackett, OJ Mayo scored 16 (mainly in the second half), Taj Gibson had 13 points (plus 6 blocks and 7 rebounds), and Dwight Lewis added another 10. A possibly-suspended Davon Jefferson did not play for the second consecutive game, but fellow freshman Marcus Simmons made his season debut, though he failed to score in limited minutes. Redshirt freshman forward Kasey Cunningham made his first career start and picked up 10 rebounds.

The Trojans may have been fatigued during the game. Coach Tim Floyd ran his squad through a very late practice session once the team plane touched down in Charleston after midnight. The practice, which did not end until after 3:00a, took the place of an aborted session on Wednesday, which Floyd called off after he felt that his team was not putting in a full effort.

Mayo & co. will remain in South Carolina for a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, followed by a return to California to play in the Anaheim Classic tournament beginning on Thanksgiving night.

Southern Cal 74, The Citadel 47 (AP via ESPN)
Box score (ESPN)