UCLA
USC
Bruins Upset By Trojans In Men's Volleyball
February 04, 2000 | Men's Volleyball
Feb. 4, 2000
Top-ranked UCLA was upset Friday night 3-2 by fifth ranked USC before 2,287 fans at Pauley Pavilion in the 23rd Annual Kilgour Cup.
USC, 7-1, 5-0, won 13-15, 15-10, 6-15, 15-6, 15-11 in two hours and 35 minutes. USC's victory stopped three streaks: it ended the Bruins' 13-match winning streak over the Trojans, it gave USC its first ever Kilgour Cup victory in seven tries and it spoiled the Bruins' bid for an unbeaten season.
The Bruins could not overcome 40 unforced errors, including 27 service errors and a season high 16 blocking miscues. In Game 5 alone, the Bruins committed four unforced errors, including a pair of service errors.
Statistically, both teams were nearly even: USC hit .332 to UCLA's .320, the Trojans won the blocking battle 11-10 and each team served eight aces. USC held a decided defensive edge, out-digging the Bruins 59-41.
USC sophomore Brook Billings led all players with 33 kills and 17 digs, followed by junior Eli Fairfield's 19 kills and 15 digs. Senior setter Donald Suxho distributed 84 assists, hit .545 (7-1-11) and dug nine balls.
Seniors Evan Thatcher and Seth Burnham led the Bruins with 21 and 17 kills respectively. Senior Brandon Taliaferro led the Bruins with 16 digs and four total blocks. Freshman Scott Morrow blocked five balls for the Bruins and senior Matt Davis added 13 digs.
The Bruins' next match will be at No.2 Pepperdine on Feb. 10.
