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Drew Peterson sparks USC to rout over Alabama State

USC's Drew Peterson reacts after missing a three-point shot during the second half of a game against Miami.
USC’s Drew Peterson scored 21 points in the team’s 96-58 win over Alabama State on Thursday at the Galen Center.
(Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)
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Drew Peterson scored 21 points to lead five players in double figures and USC cruised to a 96-58 victory over Alabama State on Thursday night.

Peterson sank 7 of 9 shots with three 3-pointers for USC (1-1). He added six rebounds and six assists.

Boogie Ellis hit a pair of 3s and scored 15 for the Trojans, adding four assists and seven steals. Reese Dixon-Waters totaled 13 points. Joshua Morgan scored 11, while Malik Thomas had 10 points off the bench. Reserve Tre White had 12 rebounds to go with six points.

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Duane Posey topped Alabama State with 12 points. Christian McCray contributed 10 points and six rebounds.

Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson must transform USC from a team dominated by seven-footers into one built around swift, experienced guards.

It was the first matchup between the Hornets and Trojans. USC shot 55.4% from the floor with the starters connecting at a 63.4% clip (26 of 41).

Although USC lost to Florida Gulf Coast 74-61 to open the season, the Trojans are on the best run in program history with 73 wins the previous three seasons. USC is coming off a 26-8 season, tying the school record for wins with a third-place finish in the Pac-12.

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