My benchmark for a USC team is "Are we better than UCLA?" So this team meets that test, as have several CAE teams.

Max brings energy, but he is out of control on offense. At least last night he did not shoot more than his share.

This team wins with defense and rebounding. The good news is we beat UCLA without great shooting (other than by Ethan). Part of that is UCLA's defense. but it means we can beat them again as long as we bring our defensive A game.