PROVO, Utah – BYU dropped its second-straight match to No. 5 USC 3-0 (25-27, 24-26, 20-25) in its first three-set loss at the Smith Fieldhouse this season on Saturday night.
BYU hit a .305 clip overall but were outblocked 11-4 by USC. Despite both teams recording 45 kills each, the Trojans found momentum and overtook BYU's set points in both the first and second sets.
Senior outside hitter Luke Benson had a season-high hitting percentage of .630 combined with a match-high 18 kills to lead the Cougars.
Tyler Herget earned a match-high 38 assists, with Miks Ramanis and Keoni Thiim each securing 12 kills on the night.
Set One
BYU showed early power in the contest, beginning immediately with a kill from Benson to go 1-0 on the Trojans. USC responded with equal pressure, knotting the score 7-7. The Cougars’ new starting lineup – Keoni Thiim as opposite with Miks Ramanis and Benson as the outside hitters – proved effective by going point-for-point with the Trojans.
After a back-and-forth battle, USC gained a two point lead 17-15 to prompt a BYU timeout. Benson continued to keep BYU in the mix with kills from Benson. Niko Hales and Ramanis combined for three-straight points that put the Cougars back with the advantage 23-22.
BYU eyed set point twice before USC stormed back to take the set 27-25.
Set Two
The second set saw BYU gain a two point lead to open up the set. The Trojans quickly went on a 5-0 run to control the scoreboard. BYU matched the energy with a 5-0 run of their own, capped off by a 79 MPH ace from Benson to take the lead before a USC timeout at 7-5.
BYU etched a five-point lead with kills from Benson, Ramanis and Thiim, though the Trojans rallied with a 5-0 run to knot the set 17-17.
In similar fashion to the first set, BYU entered set point with the advantage but the opportunity was squandered as USC took the set 26-24.
Set Three
Both sides traded blows to begin the third set, moving to a 5-5 stalemate to start things off. The Trojans took a jump with a 3-0 run to prompt a BYU timeout at 12-9.
BYU continued to trail during the middle of the set, despite kills from Benson, Ramanis and Thiim.
The Cougars staved off a match point twice before USC took the third and final set 25-20.