Ashley, McConnell lead No. 1 Arizona to 73-53 win over USC and best start in school history

Southern California guard J.T. Terrell, right, has his shot blocked by Arizona forward Aaron Gordon during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Arizona forward Brandon Ashley, right, puts up a shot as Southern California center Omar Oraby defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Brandon Ashley and T.J. McConnell each scored a season-high 19 points and No. 1 Arizona beat USC 73-53 Sunday night to improve to 17-0 for the best start in school history.

Nick Johnson chipped in 15 points and Aaron Gordon had 12 for the Wildcats, the second straight game they've had four players reach double figures in scoring.

The 1931-32 Wildcats held the previous school record for best start at 16-0.

Byron Wesley scored 18 points and reserve Strahinja Gavrilovic added a career-high 10 points to lead the Trojans, who have lost three straight and four of their last six.

Arizona led just 48-43 with 8:30 to play, but outscored USC 25-10 the rest of the way to turn the close game into a rout.