TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Adia Barnes of the Arizona Wildcats talks to guard Shaina Pellington #1 of the Arizona Wildcats during the NCAAB game against the Oregon Ducks at McKale Center on February 04, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats won 63-48. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
USC Basketball: Leading Scorer in Arizona Game Explains Motivation Behind Team’s Effort for Seniors
After the USC Trojans pulled off a remarkable 78-65 upset against the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday evening, junior swingman Kobe Johnson shared a heartfelt message on the team’s Twitter/X account.
“Hey Trojan nation, it’s Kobe Johnson. We just secured a significant upset victory over Arizona, and it was important for us to do it for our seniors, giving them a memorable send-off,” Johnson expressed. “Let’s carry this momentum into the upcoming Pac-12 [Tournament]. Fight on!”
Johnson, along with fifth-year senior transfer DJ Rodman, emerged as the top scorers in the game, each contributing 19 points for the team. Despite the victory, USC’s overall season record remains modest at 14-17 (8-12 in the Pac-12). Johnson achieved his 19-point mark by shooting 6-of-9 from the field (including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc) and sinking 6-of-7 free throws. Additionally, he showcased defensive prowess with six steals, double the count of the entire Arizona team, and contributed four assists and three rebounds during his team-leading 34 minutes of play.
Rodman’s 19 points were earned through 7-of-8 shooting from the field (including 2-of-3 from three-point range) and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also made valuable contributions with seven rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block.
The next challenge for USC awaits on Wednesday in the Pac-12 Tournament, where they will face the Washington Huskies.
