The Trojans, coming off their two best victories of the season, against Xavier and Boston College, played with the energy of Santa Claus after he traveled around the world and dropped off his last gift. In other words, not much.
Still, USC, with the help of a closing 13-3 run, managed to sneak past Bakersfield, 63-59, to improve to 6-0 at home.
Byron Wesley had a game-high 20 points, mostly by making 12 of 14 free throws.