LOS ANGELES – Andrej Stojakovic scored 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assist, and Jovan Blackwell Jr scored 19 points to lift Cal (3-1) to a 71-66 nonconference victory Sunday over USC (3-1) before 5,466 at Galen Center.
USC made only one of its last ten field goals to end the game. The Trojans finished shooting 29 percent from the three-point range — 30 percent season average. Cal and USC finished with 10 assists a piece.
"We got to do a better job of shot selection and getting downhill," USC forward Saint Thomas said.
Cal’s shot-making was on display versus USC, shooting 49 percent from the field. Blacksher led the team with four three-pointers, including a buzzer-beater to end the first half.
At halftime, USC had a narrow 43-42 lead.
A Golden Bears 6-0 run at the start of the second half gave Cal momentum. The Golden Bears held the lead for 12 minutes before a Saint Thomas jump shot gave USC a 64-63 advantage with 6:30 left.
USC went down the stretch and went with a no-center lineup. Musselman’s lineup featured Desmond Claude, Saint Thomas, Chibuzo Agbo, Terrance Williams, and Matt Knowling.
"I feel we didn't have any advantage going big," coach Eric Musselman said.
Cal’s Maddy Sissoko scored 9 points and DJ Campbell had 7.
USC’s Desmond Claude had 20 points. Thomas had 15. Wesley Yates scored 10 points off the bench.
Next Up
USC hosts San Jose State on Wednesday
Cal hosts Air Force on Thursday