The Trojans (8-3) had their second straight easy home victory on Saturday evening, defeating the Cal Poly Mustangs (5-6) at the Galen Center, 78-55. It was the eighth consecutive game that the Trojans held their opponents to 62 points or fewer, matching a streak last attained in 1950. The Mustangs shot just 35% on the evening against a tough USC defense, and watched the Trojans pull further and further ahead as the game wore on.

Daniel Hackett led all scorers with 19 points, and looked like he could have scored a lot more had it been necessary. USC shot 53.8% on the night, including 8 of 14 from three-point range, and showed good ball movement and also outrebounded the Mustangs, 39-31. OJ Mayo had 18 points (on 6 of 10 shooting) and 6 assists, including a highlight-reel behind-the-back pass to Davon Jefferson for an easy dunk. (Well, it would have been a highlight-reel play had the game actually been on television.) Taj Gibson looked better than he has in weeks, making the most of limited touches for 9 points and 13 rebounds.

USC has one remaining nonconference game (next Saturday at the Galen Center against UC Riverside) before starting Pac-10 play at Cal on January 3rd.

Hackett, Mayo lead Trojans past Mustangs 78-55 (AP via Yahoo!)
Trojans cover all the bases (LA Times)
USC rolls over Cal Poly (OC Register)
Gibson back strong, as Trojans cruise (Rivals, $)