Trojans are sunk in Atlantis
USC’s 20 turnovers, including six in extra period, prove costly in loss in the semifinals.
NO. 22 TENNESSEE 73 USC 66 (OT)
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas — Tennessee has twice played without its leading scorer at the Battle 4 Atlantis. It hasn’t stopped the 22nd-ranked Volunteers from reaching the championship game.
Julian Phillips scored a season-high 25 points to help Tennessee hold off USC 73-66 in overtime in Thursday’s semifinals, setting up a matchup with third-ranked and reigning national champion Kansas for the title.
Phillips, a first-year forward, made seven of 13 shots and 10 of 12 free throws to go with eight rebounds for the Volunteers (4-1), with four of those free throws coming in overtime. It was part of a strong and aggressive performance, one with Phillips being active at both ends.
“This tournament’s been great for us,” coach Rick Barnes said. “Still haven’t got our feet under us totally, but playing against a team like we did yesterday and coming back today against a zone team, I knew it wouldn’t be easy.”
Tennessee won despite again being without leading scorer Josiah-Jordan James (13.7 points per game) because of soreness in his left knee. He had an offseason procedure on that same joint, and Barnes has said he’s day to day.
Boogie Ellis scored 21 points in his second big output in as many days to lead the Trojans (4-2), but USC committed 20 turnovers — six in overtime — that the Volunteers converted into 25 points.
“Our players played hard,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “They played well for most of the game, a lot of the stretches. But some of the turnovers are us getting sped up and some are bad decision-making. But it’s tough to continuously turn the ball over that many times.”
The Volunteers pulled away in the second half to beat Butler in Wednesday night’s final first-round game. This time, Tennessee won despite shooting just three for 18 on threes.
The Trojans beat Brigham Young in Wednesday’s first round behind a big performance from Ellis, who scored 21 of his 27 points after halftime. But No. 2 scorer Drew Peterson (15.8) had a mistake-filled game Thursday with more turnovers (seven) than rebounds (six) or made baskets (four) and finished with nine points. Still, USC had two chances to win it late in regulation.
“We competed today, we had a chance to win,” Enfield said. “Tennessee’s a top-25 team and we were right there, had our chances. We’re developing and getting better.”
Tennessee also had an advantage by getting to the foul line. The Volunteers were whistled for 10 personal fouls and got to the line for 26 shots, making 22. The Trojans were charged with 23 fouls and got to the line just eight times, making seven.
“It is frustrating when there’s such big discrepancy in the fouls,” Enfield said. “I guess they played a really good game without fouling.”
The Trojans will face Wisconsin in Friday’s thirdplace game.