USC defense vs. Arizona offense

USC is the worst-shooting team in Pac-12 games (39.5 percent), but the Trojans mostly make up for it with volume and a defense that can feed its offense with turnovers and stops. Athleticism helps USC average six steals and four blocks in Pac-12 games, while their opponents average 12.8 turnovers per game, third most in the conference. USC deploys a mix of a 2-3 zone and man-to-man. Jordan McLaughlin and De’Anthony Melton average more than a steal per game, while Chimezie Metu, Melton and guard Elijah Stewart are also effective shot-blockers. While forward Bennie Boatwright is doubtful with a sprained knee, he’s most effective as a stretch-four in the Trojans’ offense. While USC is smaller without Boatwright, they can play grad transfer Charles Buggs or Nick Racocevic to get more size alongside the offensively explosive Metu. If they go with a smaller lineup, they'll often turn to Louisville transfer Shaqquan Aaron, a big wing. 

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