Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
USC dropped to 6-7 on the season Saturday night, losing to Oregon State 86-70 on the road.
Despite the loss, Bronny James continued to show growth and dropped a career-high 15 points. He also added to his highlight reel in the first half of the game, throwing down a LeBron James-esque tomahawk dunk on a fast break off a steal.
The freshman is still coming off the bench for the Trojans, playing in just his fifth game of the season, but James could see his minutes go up if he continues to add valuable scoring for USC.
USC Men’s Basketball @USC_Hoops
Back-to-back threes from Bronny James and he’s got a career-high 15 points on the night.
📺: @Pac12Network
📱: https://t.co/sun5jxIL31 pic.twitter.com/Hpf1P9jJB5
USC couldn’t get much going on Saturday, heading into halftime with a nine-point deficit. Coming out of the break, the Trojans didn’t have an answer for Oregon State, and the Beavers managed to build a big lead late in the second half.
The Trojans managed to put together a comeback — thanks in part to a late surge from James.
Steve Gress @stevegress19
Bronny James now has 15 and has hot a couple 3s to keep USC in it. Beavers up 72-61 with 3:14 to play.
USC’s late efforts weren’t enough, however, and the Trojans came up short.
After a quiet start to his collegiate career, James managed to have a breakout game on Saturday. His big game had fans impressed and excited for what’s to come for the freshman.
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
USC is turning in a full-scale stinker tonight losing at Oregon State, but it’s good to see Bronny James get going and have 15 points.
Has been active and has really been the guy here late that has given them even any remote possibility of getting back into the game.
Jamal Cristopher @JamCristopher
Coming out party for bronny James tonight. 15 pts. Off the bounce stuff like this, game expanding pic.twitter.com/d3XXTjSaQo
Isaac Trotter @Isaac__Trotter
Bronny James. Good at basketball (on both ends) pic.twitter.com/7zPQkdjRMt
USC has struggled early on this season. After heading into December at a respectable 5-2, the Trojans limped through December, winning just one of their five games, including an upset loss to Long Beach State. Now in conference play, USC has dropped its first two Pac-12 games and will take on Cal next.
Perhaps James’ coming out game will spark some confidence in the Trojans moving forward.
