LOS ANGELES — Chibuzo Agbo scored 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, and Desmond Claude scored 21 points to guide USC (8-4, 1-1 Big Ten) to a 90 to 69 nonconference victory Wednesday over Cal State Northridge (7-4, 1-1) before 4,039 at Galen Center.
USC's defense has stepped up recently, holding their last four opponents to 69 points or less. The Trojans finished with 6 steals and held Matadors to 25% from three-point range.
The Trojan found a rhythm beyond the arch, shooting 63% from three-point. Agbo led the team with six three-pointers, while Desmond Claude added five.
Claude has been in a groove over the last six games. The junior guard has scored 13 points or more in every game over the six-game stretch, including three 20-point-plus performances.
At halftime, USC led 40-39.
A 16-4 run in the middle of the second half opened up a comfortable lead of 17 points with 7:40 left. The Matadors were held to 35% from the field in the half while shooting 10% from three-point range.
Cal State Northridge did outman USC in the paint, outrebounding the Trojans 35 to 29. The Matadors finished with 36 paint points.
Thomas finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds, and Josh Cohen scored 12 points.
PJ Fuller had 17 points, and Keonte Jones had 17 points and 10 boards.
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USC hosts the Southern University Jaguars on Sunday
Cal State Northridge hosts the Chicago State Cougars on Saturday