Drew Peterson, Boogie Ellis end magnificent USC careers
The USC Trojans lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to the Michigan State Spartans 72-62. With that, Andy Enfield’s team goes home early, and Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson see their impressive USC careers come to an end.
Peterson has played in three NCAA Tournaments, and Boogie Ellis emerged as the primary scorer over the past two seasons, although this ending was not what anybody was hoping for.
The Peterson-Ellis pairing combined for just 17 points in the contest, and the Spartans’ defense wore down both of these players in a tough game all around for USC.
Peterson was a part of the USC team that went to the Elite Eight and lost to Gonzaga. Ellis transferred to USC after beginning his career at Memphis. Ellis endured two first-round losses in his time in Southern California.
Ellis’ final year at USC finished with an average of 18 PPG, including a pair of 30-plus-point outings over the final stretch, and a career-high 35-point game against Arizona at the beginning of March. He gave USC everything he had this season. He was marvelous over the course of the full schedule.
Peterson battled a back injury but was able to suit up for the Trojans in this game against Michigan State, although he went just 4-10 for 11 points with 7 rebounds in the loss. Peterson’s tenure at USC will be remembered for a long time, especially with the role he played in that stunning Elite Eight run.
Nonetheless, hats off to two terrific USC Trojans, Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis.
