Andy Enfield details challenges of USC playing early game

USC and Michigan State get to open Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament by playing in the early game on the schedule. The two teams tip off Friday at 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS from Columbus, Ohio.

It will be interesting to see if there is any adjustment needed for the Trojans, who will technically be playing at 9:15 a.m. of their usual time.

Head coach Andy Enfield said that isn’t a concern for his team heading into the game.

“Our television schedule this year, a lot of tip times 8:00 or later on the West Coast.” Enfield said. “So that was 11:00 p.m. So a lot of family and friends, I’m from Pennsylvania, a lot of people try to watch our games on the West Coast will have a little trouble at 1.00 in the morning when they end. But this is an early game. Told our players no excuses. It might feel like 9.00 a.m. in the morning but we’re in March Madness, you have to get ready to play mentally and go compete at the highest level.”

The team is led by upperclassman Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson, who are the only two players in double figures for the team. Ellis averages 18.0 points per game and Peterson averages 14.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Andy Enfield is excited for USC to play in the NCAA Tournament

Andy Enfield has had some historical success in the NCAA Tournament, with USC and his previous coaching gig at Florida Gulf Coast. Two years ago, USC made the Elite Eight.

With the Eagles, Enfield made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 as a No. 15 seed and became the first No. 15 seed to make the Sweet 16.

“We’re excited to be in March Madness,” Enfield said. “Our players had an outstanding season this year with 22 wins, tied for second in the Pac 12. Our conference was really good this year. I thought our players battled a lot of injuries with a variety of players and we’re able to have a very successful season. A lot of fun to coach these guys. We had two upperclassmen — Drew and Boogie — sitting here and a lot of freshmen and sophomores that did a great job of improving. We’re excited to go compete for a national championship and it starts with our game on Friday.”