Sebally scores 26 as No. 5 Oregon routs USC 93-53
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oregon has the nation's top scoring offense, and it is proving to be a pretty good defensive team, as well.
The fifth-ranked Ducks held USC to 29.1 percent shooting from the field and forced 22 turnovers in a 93-53 rout on Friday night. It is the second straight game that Oregon (14-1, 3-0 Pac-12) has won by 40 points.
"If we can continue to defend with some enthusiasm we are in pretty good shape because the offense takes care of itself," Oregon coach Kelly Graves said.
Satou Sabally scored 26 points, which was a point away from tying her career high, which she set earlier this season against UC Irvine. The sophomore forward — who also had seven rebounds — scored nine of the Ducks' first 11 points and they never trailed. Oregon led by as many as 42 late in the fourth quarter.
The 40-point victory tied for the third-largest win by the Ducks in conference play, equaling the 98-58 victory they had last Sunday against Washington State.
Oregon forced 22 USC turnovers which resulted in 36 points. It also had 20 fast-break points as it was 34 of 63 from the field and made 13 3-pointers.
"We were active, our hands were up and we were forcing them to make passes that they aren't usually used to making," said junior guard Sabrina Ionescu, who had 17 points. "It fueled our transition and let us set up our offense. Everyone was engaged and dialed in."
Taylor Chavez added 14 points and Ruthy Hebard had 12 points and eight rebounds for Oregon, which won its seventh straight.
Aliyah Mazyck led USC (10-5, 0-4) with 16 points but was 4 of 20 from the field. Ja'Tavia Tapley added 13 points and seven rebounds while Mariya Moore, who scored a career high 36 points in last Sunday's loss at California, had 11 points.
"We haven't shot well since the Texas A&M game (three weeks ago). That is something we have to work on," USC coach Mark Trakh said. "This is really the first game in two years we were not competitive in from start to finish. It is just forgetting this game and getting ready for the next one."
The game was tied at 2 when the Ducks took control with a 9-1 run. Oregon was 4 of 6 from the field while the Trojans were 0 of 7, including missing all four from beyond the arc.
The Ducks were up 21-9 at the end of the first quarter and had a 41-19 lead at halftime. Oregon was 16 of 32 from the field in the first half and scored 23 points off 15 turnovers by the Trojans, who made just 4 of 21 from the field the first 20 minutes.
BIG PICTURE
Oregon: The Ducks have won their last five regular-season games in the Pac-12 by 13 points or more. They also extended their winning streak over USC to six games, which is the longest in series history.
USC: The Trojans have dropped seven straight to ranked teams, including four this season. They get another ranked team on Sunday when they host No. 10 Oregon State.
UP NEXT
Oregon: Travels to UCLA on Sunday afternoon.
USC: Hosts No. 10 Oregon State on Sunday afternoon.
