USC quietly off to perfect start

At the moment, Los Angeles is a college basketball town.

Pauley Pavilion should be packed to the rafters Saturday when No. 2 UCLA takes on Michigan.

But here’s the best part: It isn’t a one-team town.

Southern California is quietly off to its best start in 45 years. The Trojans head into Sunday’s game against Pepperdine 8-0.

“We’re better early than we were last year,” coach Andy Enfield said.

Last season marked a significant breakthrough for the Trojans, who reached the NCAA tournament after finishing last in the Pac-12 in their first two seasons under Enfield. The Trojans were long and athletic, employing the kind of up-tempo style reminiscent of Enfield’s Florida Gulf Coast team that reached the Sweet 16 in 2013.

And the Trojans were 3-0 against UCLA.

Still, there have been some unexpected setbacks, starting with the departures of guard Julian Jacobs and forward Nikola Jovanovic, who declared early for the NBA draft.

The best returning player, 6-foot-10 forward Bennie Boatwright, suffered a sprained knee last week that will sideline him for several weeks.

However, Enfield said, “We’re longer, more athletic this year.”

There’s plenty of size at the guard position. Leading scorer Elijah Stewart is 6-5. Shaqquan Aaron stands 6-7. De’Anthony Melton is a 6-4 point guard.

Sophomore forward Chimezie Metu is a mobile 6-11.

Behind junior point guard Jordan McLaughlin, the Trojans average 81.4 points per game.

Their athleticism also has translated into an improved defense.

“We’ve been defending well all season,” Enfield said. “That’s why we’re 8-0.”

But despite the perfect start, the Trojans have averaged crowds of around 3,100 in five home games.

A turning point could come Jan 25. That’s the day they host UCLA.

Hurt Terp: Maryland senior center Damonte Dodd sat out Wednesday night’s win over Howard and is expected to miss at least two more games with a sprained knee.