After struggling to knock down shots through four Pac-12 Conference games, the USC sophomore guard designated a new pair of sneakers to wear on game days.
Mathews has since been a hot hand in the Trojans' season-best five-game winning streak.
Said senior point guard Jordan McLaughlin: "We tell him to shoot the ball any time he's open."
Mathews started nine games this season before he was slowed because of a sprained ankle. As USC (16-6, 7-2 Pac-12 Conference) wrapped up its nonconference schedule and opened Pac-12 play, coach Andy Enfield transitioned Mathews from a starter to a role player off the bench.