MBB1/3/2019 9:09 PM | By: Associated Press
Bears Topped By Trojans In Pac-12 Opener
Sueing Notches First Career Double-Double And Vanover Returns in 82-73 Loss
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justice Sueing's double-double and a career night from Connor Vanover weren't enough against USC, and the Trojans topped the Golden Bears 82-73 Thursday night in the Pac-12 opener.
Nick Rakocevic scored a career-high 27 points and Bennie Boatwright added 19 for USC.
Rakocevic, a 6-foot-11 junior center, was 12 of 14 from the field as he had his third game this season where he has scored 20 points or more. Boatwright, who missed the first two games this season due to a knee injury, is averaging 17.5 points over the past four games.
The Trojans (8-6), who have won four straight, led most of the game and were up 15 midway through the second half. The Golden Bears though made things interesting late, going on a 17-6 run to get within 71-67 with 2:45 remaining. Shaqquan Aaron made a huge 3-pointer on the ensuing trip to end any momentum.
Sueing led Cal (5-8) with 16 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for his first collegiate double-double. Paris Austin added 13 points, and Vanover's 10 points and 3 blocks marked new personal-bests for the big man who returned to action after suffering a concussion and broken nose on Dec. 15.
Cal led 12-9 with 12:49 remaining in the first half before the Trojans went on a 19-5 run over a six-minute span. The Trojans were 7 of 9 from the field, including 2 of 3 on 3-pointers, as Boatwright scored five points while Rakocevic and J'Raan Brooks added four apiece. The Bears were 1 of 10 from the field, including 1 of 6 from beyond the arc.
The Golden Bears outscored the Trojans 16-9 the remainder of the half — including going 3 of 5 on 3-pointers — as USC held a 37-33 lead at halftime.
UP NEXT
California: Travels to UCLA on Saturday.