USC beats Coppin State in season opener
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Byron Wesley scored 17 points, leading USC to an 87-73 victory over Coppin State on Friday night in the season opener for both schools.
Omar Oraby, who transferred to USC in September after setting a school record at Rice last season with 54 blocked shots, had 16 points and six rebounds a day after his hardship waiver petition was approved by the NCAA -- making him eligible to play immediately.
J.T. Terrell had 15 points and starting center Dewayne Dedmon grabbed 12 rebounds.
Trojans senior point guard and captain Jio Fontan, who missed last season with a torn ligament in his left knee, finished with seven assists and 4 points.
Freshman guard Patrick Cole scored 25 points and reserve Troy Franklin had 23 for Coppin State.
This is the second meeting between the Eagles and USC. In 2009, USC beat the Eagles 74-43.