LOS ANGELES — AsAlijah Arenaswalked off the Pauley Pavilion court after picking up his third foul just four minutes into the second half ofUSC's rivalry game againstUCLAon Tuesday night, he slammed his hands on the bench in frustration.
It was that kind of night for Arenas, and that kind of night for the Trojans in general as they lost,81-62, to their archrivals. And maybe that kind of season.
USC was ice cold from the floor all night, struggling to find any real offensive contribution from anyone other than Chad Baker-Mazara, who led the team with 25 points. His 14 points in the first half made him the only Trojan to that point with more than two made field goals. Arenas had four points in the first — all from the free-throw line — in only nine minutes after picking up two early fouls.
It was a game that USC simply could not afford to lose as one of the first four teams out inUSA TODAY Sports' latest Bracketology. The Trojans now drop their fourth consecutive Big Ten game, and second consecutive Quad 1 matchup after blowing a late leadto Oregonon Saturday.
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Even with the bumps expected since making his freshman debut in late January — five months after tearing his right meniscus practice in July — Arenas continues to flash the potential that made him a five-star recruit and potential lottery pick entering the season.
If it doesn't show in the stat sheet, it shows in the little things: dribbling out of double teams, getting to the line, grabbing boards and setting his teammates up for open looks. Arenas also added six points down the final stretch to finish the game as the only Trojan besides Baker-Mazara to score in double figures.
Here's how Alijah Arenas fared in Tuesday's loss toUCLA:
MORE:Alijah Arenas makes USC debut: How did freshman do vs Northwestern?
Alijah Arenas stats vs. UCLA
Points: 10
FG: 2-for-8 (0-for-2 from 3-point line)
Free Throws: 6-for-6
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 0
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
Turnovers: 5
Fouls: 3
Minutes: 21
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Alijah Arenas stats, points tonight, USC vs UCLA highlights
