When the Trojans fell to Kansas last Sunday, in part by failing to keep up with the Jayhawks in the second half, they left an open question: Could USC ever hang with the nation’s best teams over a full 40 minutes? That question was answered in the affirmative on Tuesday night during the Jimmy V. Classic at Madison Square Garden. The only problem for the Trojans was that their matchup with second-ranked Memphis actually lasted 45 minutes, and USC fell in overtime, 62-58.

USC (6-3) had a chance to win the game in regulation, when Daniel Hackett went to the free throw line for two shots with six seconds remaining and the Trojans down by one. He made the first to tie the score at 54, but could not convert the second. In the extra period, the Trojans had a hard time making anything, getting their one and only basket with 15 seconds remaining. During regulation, however, USC managed to take Memphis (7-0) out of their usual fast-paced offense by hustling to get down court after every Trojan shot, and utilizing a tough triangle-and-two defensive scheme. The Tigers seemed flustered by USC’s persistence, and had a hard time shaking the Trojans. USC actually led for much of the second half and limited the Tigers to 37.3% shooting. But the Trojans could not take advantage of the slow tempo, or their steady defensive play, the Tigers’ poor free-throw shooting, or even the fact that they limited the top two Memphis scorers–Chris Douglas-Roberts and freshman Derrick Rose–to just 10 and 9 points, respectively. The reason is that USC had an even tougher time scoring, shooting an abysmal 28.6% from the field.

One contributing factor to USC’s lack of offense was Memphis’ superior frontcourt play. The Tigers won the rebounding battle, 45-39, and blocked 11 shots on the night, frequently turning away any Trojan that ventured into the paint. Taj Gibson had another disappointing outing, fouling out for the third straight game and recording just five points, although he did last 32 minutes and block four shots. Even more disappointing was OJ Mayo’s performance. The freshman converted on just 6 of 20 attempts (for 16 points), and missed seven straight shots in crunch time. Fellow freshman Davon Jefferson fared better, recording a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. And freshman point guard Angelo Johnson got an extended look off the bench and impressed with his poise and activity despite scoring just three points.

Despite the loss, the Trojans may have played one of their best games of the season, making one of the nation’s top teams look downright bad at times. Even better news for USC is that remainder of 2007 gets a lot easier from here. After an exhibition game on Saturday at the Galen Center, the Trojans host Delaware State, Cal Poly, and UC Riverside before starting Pac-10 play in 2008. A 9-3 nonconference record is a realistic goal.

Star freshmen struggle as Memphis hangs on for OT win (AP via ESPN)
Rose, Mayo and Beasley act their age in Garden showdown (ESPN)
USC loses to No. 2 Memphis in OT (Daily Trojan)
Trojans miss shots, and another big chance (LA Times)
Trojans see big upside in double losses (LA Times)
Close but no V for USC (OC Register)