Eric Musselman Loses First Game As USC Basketball Coach

Los Angeles, California – In a disappointing debut for the highly anticipated new coach, Eric Musselman’s USC Trojans dropped their season opener 85-75 to the Cal State Northridge Matadors.

Slow Start, Lack of Execution

The Trojans came out flat, falling behind by as many as 15 points in the first half. Musselman attributed the slow start to a lack of game preparation and poor shot selection.

“We didn’t execute well tonight. We had too many turnovers and missed a lot of open shots,” said Musselman. “We have a lot of new players, and it will take some time to get them all on the same page.”

Missed Opportunities

USC fought back in the second half, but their comeback efforts were hampered by missed opportunities. The Trojans shot just 50% from the free throw line and missed crucial layups down the stretch.

Bright Spots Despite the Loss

Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for the Trojans. Freshman shooting guard Boogie Ellis led USC with 20 points, showcasing his offensive potential. Forward Isaiah Mobley also played well, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Looking Forward

Musselman remains confident in the team’s potential, despite the season-opening loss.

“This was a tough loss, but it’s just one game. We have a long season ahead of us, and I believe in this team,” said Musselman. “We will learn from our mistakes and come back stronger.”

USC will look to bounce back in their next game against Howard University on Sunday, November 14.