Evan Mobley scored 21 points and blocked three shots in his college debut, Isaiah Mobley posted 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and host USC outlasted Cal Baptist in overtime, 95-87, in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday.
The Trojans and Lancers were locked in a game-long stalemate, ending the first half in a 39-39 tie and going to overtime at 79-79.
Cal Baptist trailed almost the entire first 35 minutes, but never by more than nine points. Remaining within striking distance allowed the Lancers to take their first lead with 5:18 left in regulation on one of Ty Rowell's nine 3-pointers.
Rowell went 9-of-15 from behind the arc and 11-of-21 from the floor en route to a game-high 32 points.
The Lancers pushed the lead to five points twice in the waning minutes, but USC scored the final five points in regulation.
Tahj Eaddy, who finished with 18 points, forced the tie with 47 seconds left, and one a missed layup by Cal Baptist gave the Trojans possession with an opportunity at the final shot. Isaiah Mobley's 3-point look fell short.
Cal Baptist struck first in overtime, but it was all USC for most of the extra frame. Ethan Anderson scored four of his 11 points quickly in overtime, and Evan Mobley gave the Trojans a cushion with three field goals over about two minutes.
Evan Mobley's most emphatic bucket came when he missed a free throw, but the Trojans managed to track down the ball. He then threw down a rim-rattling dunk.
Six Trojans scored in double-figures. Isaiah White chipped in 10 points off the bench, and Drew Peterson added 12 points and nine rebounds. Evan Mobley also grabbed nine rebounds, contributing to the Trojans' 46-27 advantage on the glass.
Despite the rebounding disparity, Cal Baptist hung tough with a torrid 20-of-41 shooting performance from 3-point range. Mark Carbone went 5-of-6 from deep en route to 15 points. Tre Armstrong scored 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting from behind the 3-point arc.
Gorjok Gak scored 13 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds for Cal Baptist.
--Field Level Media
