Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Bronny James had an opportunity to get in the USC Trojans starting lineup Saturday night and showcased some of his playmaking talent with the opportunity.
He scored nine points, grabbed three rebounds and added a steal in the Trojans 82-54 blowout victory over Oregon State. Passing the ball was James’ best attribute in the game, however, as he had a game-high six assists and was noticeably in sync with his teammates.
JamesFamilyMuse @JamesFamilyMuseBronny James tonight
9 Points
3 Rebounds
6 Assists
1 Steal
3/7 FG
1/5 3P
2/4 FT
His playmaking skills are really starting to show know but need to start hitting those 3s😤
pic.twitter.com/k7y6aof7g9
USC Men’s Basketball @USC_HoopsWe’ll take that to start things off 👏
Bronny ➡️ AP 🔨
📺: @Pac12Network
📱: https://t.co/sun5jxJiSz pic.twitter.com/UGrQhKNdyM
USC Men’s Basketball @USC_Hoops”Just like they drew it up” 😂
📺: @Pac12Network
📱: https://t.co/sun5jxJiSz pic.twitter.com/XSySJRBBzR
USC Men’s Basketball @USC_HoopsEasy as 1-2-3 for Bronny!
📺: @Pac12Network
📱: https://t.co/sun5jxJiSz pic.twitter.com/qKRWPja5f4
It was James’ fourth start of the season and the third time this season that he had at least six assists in a game. The performance helped USC improve to 9-13 on the season.
Fans on social media praised his passing ability and celebrated the improvement he has shown in multiple facets of the game.
Olu @HeruIsBackBest game of Bronny James young career 9 points & 6 assists showing a little combo guard potential
Bronny James muse @bronnymuuseyea the bronny playmaking leap is here
Luca Evans @bylucaevansBronny James playing extremely well for USC. Scoops up a near-turnover from Harrison Hornery and finishes crazy-tough layup in transition. He’s got 5 points, three assists as USC’s up 32-21 on Oregon State
BronnyMuse @BronnyMuse06BRONNY JAMES AT HALFTIME :
5 PTS (2-3)
3 AST
1 REB
1 STL
+10 +/-
BEST DEFENSE IN COLLEGE pic.twitter.com/sdiRzWev0i
Connor Morrissette @C_MorrissetteBronny James has dropped some DIMES this game. He’s up to five assists and USC leads Oregon State 57-32.
BronnyMuse @BronnyMuse06WHAT A PASS FROM BRONNY JAMES pic.twitter.com/DtFojLOqXf
Luca Evans @bylucaevansFantastic performance from Bronny James orchestrating USC’s offense tonight. Finds Boogie Ellis in transition for three to put USC up 46-27. James: 8 points, 4 assists, 1 TO pic.twitter.com/qKuQzn0hdJ
BronnyMuse @BronnyMuse06LIKE FATHER LIKE SON ON THE FASTBREAK BRONNY JAMES pic.twitter.com/7rAgji3L79
Thuc Nhi Nguyen @thucnhi21Bronny James grabs the defensive board off a Joshua Morgan block, leads the break and dishes pass to Boogie Ellis for three. USC up big: 46-27, 16:27 left.
Bronny eight points, two rebounds, four assists and Jordan Pope defensive assignment. Pope has 11 points with six turnovers
The Trojans will need to have a red-hot second half in order to be in play for the NCAA Tournament. A Pac-12 Championship and an automatic bid would get the team there, and seeing performances like this definitely helps that reality.
While Oregon State has a superior 11-11 record to the Trojans, it still is second-to-last in the conference standings. USC is currently occupying the last place spot, and navigating through the tournament will be extremely difficult.
Still, Saturday’s win was a positive and James’ strong play shows that this Trojans team is capable of doing some damage.
