LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Senior point guard Jamel Ward and newcomer Tim McLaurin led the Toros with 10 points apiece as CSUDH took a 35-26 lead at the half, but Dwight Lewis' game-high 17 points helped lead host USC outscore the visitors 35-12 after the break en route to a 64-47 exhibition win at the Galen Center before an estimated crowd of 800.
The Trojans, playing without six players including four potential starters, struggled to get their feet under themselves and trailed by six at halftime as the Toros went on an 8-0 run after the teams traded baskets for much of the first half.
USC began the second half on a 7-0 run to retake the lead at 36-35 and outscored CSUDH 35-12 after the break for the comfortable victory. The game was tied at 36 and again at 38, but a jumper by freshman Evan Smith at the 15:24 mark in the second half began an 11-1 run for the Trojans and they never looked back. Smith scored eight points, hit two three-pointers, had a block, steal and assist in 31 minutes of action.
The Trojans held CS Dominguez Hills, coached by former Trojan guard Damaine Powell, to 10.7 percent shooting in the second half (3-for-28) and just 27.5 percent (14-for-51) for the game.
Robert Willhite and Stephen Faulkner added nine points each as the Toros drained 15-of-21 shots from the free throw line, though the 3-point line proved more difficult as demonstrated by CSUDH's 3-for-20 makes from long range.
The Toros conclude their exhibition season on Saturday, November 7, as they host Biola University for a 1:30 pm tip in the Torodome.
