USC’s free-throw shooting woes leave Trojans frustrated after loss to UCLA

[ad_1]

USC coach Eric Musselman gestures during the Trojans’ 82-76 loss to UCLA on Monday night. Struggles at the free-throw line proved costly for the Trojans in the loss. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Saint Thomas wiped his hands, tossing away the towel as he stepped to the free-throw line. Ninety-six seconds remained in the latest meeting of the crosstown showdown — a game that, in recent memory, had lent itself to late-game heroics on this very hardwood. USC had won five of six here over UCLA, and so the whole of Galen Center now teemed with anxious delirium, expecting more rivalry magic.

Thomas had just pulled down a pivotal rebound in traffic on the other end, drawing a foul that could finally put USC in front of UCLA after an entire night spent clawing toward that end. In the moment, the senior forward roared to the arena’s rafters, both of his hands clenched in fists. But now Thomas stood with his right toe on the stripe, steeling himself for two of the biggest free throws of USC’s season to date. He took a deep breath.

His first free throw went long, clanking off the back iron. Thomas took another deep breath. Then, the second rattled out.

Less than 30 seconds later, UCLA’s Sebastian Mack let a dagger fly from distance, and the Trojans, in the wake of an 82-76 loss to the rival Bruins, were left to wonder where they might be with just a few more successful free throws.

Read more: Sebastian Mack’s late heroics help UCLA edge USC and extend its winning streak

After a second straight game marred by poor shooting from the line, USC coach Eric Musselman didn’t mince words. He called it “a huge problem”.

“We had two home games where we just haven’t converted at a good enough rate. I don’t know else to do,” Musselman said. “I’m not gonna wave a magic wand and change that.”

After shooting just 11 of 17 from the line in its last home loss to Wisconsin, USC was 11 of 19 on Monday. The Trojans missed seven free throws in the second half against UCLA,…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/uscs-free-throw-shooting-woes-080405287.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2025-01-28 08:04:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.