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By JEFF MILLER / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LOS ANGELES ? USC found a solution to losing games late Monday. The Trojans won early.
They opened a double-figure lead 50 seconds into the second half and convincingly pulled away from TCU, winning, 83-59, at Galen Center.
The victory ended a three-game losing streak, two of those losses coming at home when USC failed to close strongly against New Mexico and Georgia. The Trojans (5-7) have lost four times by four points or fewer.
"I was really pleased with the way our young team played," Coach Kevin O'Neill said. "I really was."
Maurice Jones controlled much of the tempo and kept the Horned Frogs (7-4) on their heels. The sophomore guard finished with 25 points and seven assists. He also had only one turnover.
At one point, the score was tied, 16-16. Jones then scored nine of USC's next 10 points as the Trojans moved ahead for good.
"I love how Mo controlled the game," O'Neill said. "He made it easy for everybody else. If he does that, we'll have a chance to win games."
USC shot 51 percent (28 of 55) from the floor and got to the free-throw line 30 times. The Trojans had only five turnovers, compared to 20 for TCU.
Offense has been a problem this season for USC, but it wasn't Monday. Dewayne Dedmon (14 points), Byron Wesley (13) and Alexis Moore (12) also reached double figures. Aaron Fuller added nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
"A lot of it is just these guys getting used to playing," O'Neill said. "They're getting more used to playing with each other. It's getting used to the speed of the game."
The Trojans led 42-33 at the half, a notable total for more than one reason. It was the highest offensive output in a half for the Trojans this season.
The 42 points also were more than USC has scored in three games to date. The Trojans finished with 41 against New Mexico, 40 at Minnesota and 36 against Cal Poly, each game a loss.
"If shots go in, it always makes you look better," O'Neill said. "We made shots tonight and got to the basket."
Up next for USC: No. 12 Kansas, Thursday at Galen Center. The Jayhawks lost Monday to Davidson, 80-74.
"I know Kansas lost...so they're going to be (ticked)," O'Neill said. "I was hoping they'd win coming in, but that's the way it is. We'll have to play a great game."
Contact the writer: jmiller@ocregister.com
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