No. 19 USC TROJANS at cu BUFFS MEN’S basketball
TIPOFF: 7 p.m., today, CU Events Center.
BROADCAST: TV — ESPN2; Radio — KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM. RECORDS: USC 19-4, 13-3 Pac-12 Conference; Colorado 17-7, 11-6.
COACHES: USC — Andy Enfield, 8th season (151-106, 192-134 overall). Colorado — Tad Boyle, 11th season (227-141, 283207).
KEY PLAYERS: USC — F Evan Mobley, Fr., 16.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, .603 field goal percentage; G Tahj Eaddy, 14.3 ppg, 2.6 apg, .385 3-point percentage; F Isaiah Mobley, So., 9.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg; G Drew Peterson, 9.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg. Colorado — G Mckinley Wright IV, Sr., 14.5 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.3 rpg; F Jeriah Horne, G-SR., 11.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, .438 3-point percentage; F Evan Battey, R-JR., 10.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg; G/F D’shawn Schwartz, Sr., 8.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg.
WHAT TO WATCH: The Buffs have posted two of their three biggest turnover totals in the past two games, recording 17 during last week’s loss at Oregon and 16 in a win at Oregon State. The Buffs are averaging 11.4 turnovers per game, the lowest mark in Boyle’s 11 seasons, and need a return to form in order to top the Trojans.
NOTES: Boyle on Wednesday did not rule out a return to action by freshman forward Jabari Walker. “He’s day to day. He’s been going at practice a little bit,” Boyle said. “We’ll see how he feels (Thursday). Hopefully we’ll have him, but nothing’s for certain.” Walker has missed the past six games due to a foot injury. … USC enters the game ranked first in Pac-12 games in scoring defense (64.4), defensive field goal percentage (.398), and average rebounding margin (plus-7.63). The Trojans also rank second in league games in defensive 3-point percentage (.320). … Isaiah Mobley missed the Trojans’ win on Monday against Oregon due to a strained calf… The Buffs are 5-0 against the Trojans since the start of the 2018-19 season. … By averaging five rebounds over the past five games, CU’S Dallas Walton has increased his season rebounding average from 2.3 per game to 3.1. … The Buffs have gone 13-for-59 (.220) on 3-pointers over the past three games. … CU’S regular season-ending homestand continues on Saturday against UCLA (8 p.m., ESPN2).