By Seth Rubinroit

USC defeated Boston College, 78-62, at the Galen Center on Sunday. Several observations:

Freshmen Stepped Up

The Trojans did not have have the most star-studded recruiting class, but the freshmen continue to contribute.

Three freshmen–Julian Jacobs, Nikola Jovanovic and Roschon Prince–combined to score 45 of USC’s 78 points. All three set new career highs for points.

“That’s what college basketball is all about,” coach Andy Enfield said. “It doesn’t matter what rank or class you are in as long as you improve.”

Nikola Jovanovic (Seth Rubinroit/Galen Central)

Jacobs had 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jovanovic had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Prince added 14 points and five rebounds.

“Our coaches don’t baby anybody or treat them differently,” senior Pe’Shon Howard said. “Nobody is a freshman after two months.”

Point Guard Rotation

Jacobs and Howard seem to have cemented their roles as USC’s primary ball handlers. Jacobs (36 minutes) and Howard (35 minutes) played the majority of the game, while Chass Bryan and Brendyn Taylor played only five minutes each.

“In my offensive system, we designate the point guards and wing players, but we really have two point guards playing together,” Enfield said. “At some point, if we do a good enough job recruiting, we might have three point guards at the same time.”

Howard recorded 14 points and four assists, but that’s not what stood out to his coach.

“I’m more impressed with his defense than his offense,” Enfield said. “If he doesn’t play defense, he is going to come out of the game.”

Former USC Song Girl Cheered for Boston College

Former USC Song Girl Shea Jackson loyally cheered for the Trojans for years, but for one night, she rooted for the opponent. Wearing a grey Boston College shirt, Shea supported her brother, Lonnie, a junior guard for the Eagles.

Lonnie finished the game with nine points on three three-pointers.

“Everyone in the country knows he is one of the best shooters, period,” Howard said. “The scouting report said one thing–‘shooter.'”

You can read more about their relationship HERE.

Former USC Song Girl Shea Jackson wore Boston College gear to the game to support her brother, Lonnie.

Malik Price-Martin Attended the Game

Malik Price-Martin, who signed with the Trojans in November, attended the game. He sat with Darion Clark, a forward who transferred from Charlotte and will be eligible next season. Price-Martin, who was the first player to commit to play for Enfield, is a 6-foot-9 athletic forward with a 7-foot wingspan.

Malik Price-Martin (left) with Darion Clark (Seth Rubinroit/Galen Central)

Coach Enfield on His Playing Style

“Nobody ever threw me a lob,” Enfield said. “I was usually at the three-point line spotted up. My vertical was about 2 inches.”

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