The lowdown: The 2017-18 season opened with a Bennie Boatwright three-pointer. And an Elijah Stewart three-pointer as the Trojans grabbed an 8-2 lead in the opening five minutes.
USC’s defensive efforts also impressed early, as Stewart denied Kyle Allman at the rim and later Chimezie Metu stretched at the three-point line to stop an attempt.
Duke transfer Derryck Thornton, who sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, made his first contribution early, sinking a triple to make it 18-7.
The Trojans also gave debuts to freshmen Jordan Usher and Charles O’Bannon Jr.