For Trojans, It’s Getting Progressive Worse

Poor free-throw shooting has hurt USC at crucial times this season and the Oregon game on Saturday was no exception.

The Trojans looked sharp when they opened the second half with a 7-3 run. Leading, 36-34, freshman forward Shannon Swillis was sent to the foul line on two consecutive Trojan possessions and missed all four free throws. What little momentum the Trojans had built up evaporated.

Swillis, the Trojans top rebounder but worst free-throw shooter (36.4%) finished two of six from the free-throw line and had four points and five rebounds.

USC was 11 of 19 from the free-throw line (57.9%) and Oregon made 17 of 22 (77.3%). Going into the game, the Ducks were shooting 60.9%, last in the Pacific 10 Conference. The Trojans were sixth at 65.9%.