Rayah Marshall at the forefront of USC’s smothering, ‘Mad Dog’ pressure defense
USC center Rayah Marshall (13) blocks a shot by UNC Greensboro guard Jayde Gamble in the first quarter of the Trojans’ 71-25 victory in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — Rayah Marshall took her place at the front of USC’s defense Saturday, ready to deploy the role she’d spent the past two years perfecting.
USC had dragged through the first quarter of their first-round matchup, unable to separate from No. 16 North Carolina Greensboro. So a few minutes into the second, with her team in need of a spark, coach Lindsay Gottlieb turned to Marshall, the “Mad Dog” at the front of the Trojans’ vaunted pressure defense.
The press has become an essential part of USC’s defense the past two seasons, with Marshall at the forefront — literally — of that success. But perhaps never has it proved so successful for the Trojans as it was Saturday, in their tournament debut.
The senior forward stood with arms outstretched, clogging whatever passing lanes might be available. As soon as the ball was inbounded, guards swarmed on either side. In a matter of seconds, a trap was already laid. From there, pockets were picked. Errant passes were picked off.
The result was utter domination on defense, as USC rolled into the second round of the NCAA tournament where it will face Mississippi State on Monday night.
With the press in place — and USC content to push down the gas pedal with its pressure — the Trojans allowed just four total baskets after the first quarter. It gave up just 25 points, the lowest score ever by a USC opponent, and allowed Greensboro to shoot just 13%, also the lowest ever for a USC opponent. Not to mention it forced 23 turnovers, the 15th time USC has forced more than 20 turnovers this season.
But the press has proved to be an effective tool on the other end, too. Such was the case on Saturday against Greensboro, and against Mississippi State, another team that hangs its hat on defense, it could come in handy.
USC center Rayah Marshall, left, and guard Kennedy Smith celebrate during the first half against UNC Greensboro on Saturday. (Eric Thayer / AP)