LOS ANGELES – With LeBron James watching, Bronny James struggled with his shot for the first time this season, but USC’s starting backcourt of Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier shined to help the Trojans win their second straight game of the season. Pac-12 conference.
Collier, USC’s standout freshman point guard, scored a career-high 26 points to lead USC to victory over Stanford, 93-79, at the Galen Center.
Ellis, a senior guard, had 22 points, four assists and three steals, while junior guard Kobe Johnson had 21 points, five assists, five steals and two blocks.
James, the eldest son of the Los Angeles Lakers star, failed to make a shot for the first time this season, making 0 of 4 field goals from the bench and breaking a two-game streak of scoring in double figures. But the rookie guard provided a boost to the defense with two steals while also making a charge with two rebounds and an assist in 19 minutes.
James, who had missed just two free throws in his previous six games, was 2 of 5 from the line and finished with two points. This was James’ seventh game after missing more than four months after suffering cardiac arrest in late July. The freshman underwent a procedure to treat a congenital heart defect.
“He keeps getting better,” USC coach Andy Enfield said of James, who played on a minutes restriction as he returned. “I thought he missed a couple easy shots tonight, he missed some free throws, which is fine, everyone does that. But he made the right shots, played outstanding defense and is a big part of our team.”
James didn’t let his shooting affect his hustle. With 7:57 left in the first half, James anticipated a timeout approaching and jumped in front of Benny Gealer along the sideline to create a charge.
“Bronny [is] “He’s a very smart basketball player,” Enfield said. “And he plays hard every possession and defensively helps us.” He receives deflections, he can defend the ball against smaller players and is strong enough to defend bigger players. So far, so good.”
After losing five of six games, USC (8-7, 2-2) has now won two in a row at home. Ellis, Collier, the top recruit in this season’s freshman class, and Johnson are playing their best, most efficient basketball of the season. The trio combined to make 11 three-pointers.
James hopes to find his opportunity against Washington State at home on Wednesday.
“He makes winning plays,” said Ellis, who made six 3-pointers. “It’s great to have him on the court. Whenever he’s in the game, he plays hard. We know we’re going to get that from him, so it’s great to have someone who drives us by coming off the bench and giving us big minutes, energy and impact on the court.” game even when he’s not scoring.
