USC holds on for win over Cal, avoids worst Pac-12 start since 2014

USC guard Isaiah Collier, right, high fives guard Kobe Johnson during the Trojans’ win over Cal Wednesday at the Galen Center.An eight-inch height difference didn’t deter Boogie Ellis. When it looked like 6-foot-11 California forward Fardaws Aimaq had a simple rebound, the 6-foot-3 Ellis swooped in and ripped the ball away as if instead of the first play of the second half with an eight-point lead, the Trojans were locked in a tight game in the final minutes.

After the struggles of the past month, every possession mattered.

USC played like a team with purpose Wednesday for the first time in at least a month, avoiding its worst Pac-12 start since 2014 with an 82-74 win over California at Galen…