Onyeka Okongwu dominates in USC’s victory over Harvard
Highlights from USC’s win over Harvard in the Orlando Invitational on Sunday.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Onyeka Okongwu had 27 points and 14 rebounds as USC defeated Harvard 77-62 for third place Sunday night at the Orlando Invitational.
The freshman forward, who shot 12 of 14, had 21 first-half points to help the Trojans go up 52-43. He scored 53 points and grabbed 28 rebounds during the three-game event.
Jonah Mathews and Quinton Adlesh both added 12 points for USC (7-2), which used its size to take control during a second half where the Trojans took a 25-point advantage with nine minutes left.
Noah Kirkwood had 12 points for Harvard (5-4). Bryce Aiken, who averaged 22.5 points over the first two games of the tournament, had 10.
USC shot 49.2% (30 of 61) and outscored Harvard 36-20 in the paint.
Harvard was 21-57 (36.8%) from the floor and was outrebounded 42-28.
No decision has been made yet about whether USC will cut ties with coach Clay Helton despite reports stating the university is planning to fire him.
Big picture
USC rebounded from after losing 101-79 to Marquette on Friday. The Trojans were unable to contain Golden Eagles guard Markus Howard, who set a tourney record with 51 points.
Harvard played the role of preseason top pick in the Ivy League media poll announced by the league in October. The Crimson, which beat Texas A&M 62-51, and led No. 5 and eventual invitational champion Maryland by four at halftime before losing 80-73 earlier in the tournament, wore down during the second half Sunday.
Up next
USC is at TCU on Friday night.
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