Arizona vs. USC: Q&A with Conquest Chronicles

After splitting a homestand against the Oregon schools last weekend, the Arizona Wildcats head on the road for three straight starting with Thursday’s matchup against the USC Trojans.

It’ll be a brutal stretch of road tests, and to see what to expect from that first game we talked to Matthew Lowry at Conquest Chronicles to learn about this Trojans team. Here’s our Q&A.

Q: How important was USC’s win over UCLA this past weekend?

A: “The win over UCLA was a huge one for the Trojans. With all that has happened plus laying an egg at Oregon, USC has no room for error if they want to make the NCAA tournament. It leaves them right in the mix of a wide open Pac-12.”

How confident are Trojan fans in Andy Enfield?

“Not many are confident in Enfield at the moment, however this season he has players who are injured and depth problems. So it’s really hard to pin this on him, however his lack of adjusting on offense to fit his players has baffled others. I think next year will be the hit or miss because of the talent coming in that recruiting class.”

What’s USC’s biggest strength? What about biggest weakness?

“Right now USC’s biggest weakness has been their consistency of hitting shots. When the Trojans go cold then that’s when they’re really in trouble. They have guys who can knock down shots, they just don’t fall. Also the halfcourt offense has looked dismal at times.

“Their strength has been their transition game, when they’re off and running then that’s when they show their athleticism.”

Who’s a player to watch for USC?

“Nick Rackocavic has been on a tear since league play started. Honestly all season. He has done a solid job filling the void of (Chimezie) Metu on the offensive and defensive end. Another player is Bennie Boatwright. He has been an offensive threat the last five games spreading the floor and knocking shots down. If he can get going then USC can win.”

What’s your score prediction for the game?

“I don’t see USC winning this game because you never know which USC team is going to show up. I have the Wildcats winning 75-67. I think USC makes it a game but Arizona been playing really good basketball as of late.”

USC and Arizona tip off from the Galen Center at 7 p.m. MST on Thursday. The game will be aired on Fox Sports 1.

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