LOS ANGELES — Newcomers
Onyeka Okongwu and
Daniel Utomi each contributed 15 points as USC defeated national powerhouse Villanova, 72-61, in a preseason charity exhibition at Galen Center Friday night.
Utomi, a graduate transfer from Akron, scored 12 points in the first half and shot 5-for-7 from the 3-point line while Okongwu, a five-star recruit from Chino Hills High School, erupted with 13 second-half points while also grabbing 10 rebounds to complete a double-double.
The game was back-and-forth throughout much of the game as the Trojans and Wildcats constantly traded leads until USC used a 10-2 run late in the second half to pull away.
"It was a great game for us," said USC coach Andy Enfield. "It was important to get off to a good start in the preseason, showing some offense and defense and some toughness. I want to thank Villanova. They did this for charity. That was 2 good teams. It wasn't a preseason scrimmage, it was a terrific college basketball game."
All 11 of USC's scholarship players appeared in the game. The Trojans also saw contributions from freshmen Isaiah Mobley (eight points and four rebounds) and Ethan Anderson (nine points and five assists).
"Our freshman group is very special," said senior captain Jonah Mathews, who finished with 10 points. "They pick up things quick. Ethan is different, offensively and defensively. He's different, he's just got it. We practice aggressive and physical. We have all the pieces this year."
Freshman forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl led Villanova with 20 points and nine rebounds.
The Trojans played their first exhibition since hosting Cal State Los Angeles on Nov. 8, 2014. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the California Fire Foundation.
USC opens the regular season on Nov. 5 at home against Florida A&M. Click Here to purchase 2019-20 tickets.
