The third-year guard has been given more opportunities in late-game pressure situations and Sunday he helped slow down Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant.

Against the Grizzlies, Christie scored only seven points and attempted just three shots, but he largely stayed in front of Memphis All-Star Ja Morant, frustrating him into a six-for-21 shooting night and seven turnovers.

Ja Morant scored 20, but he needed 21 shots, with Christie playing one of the best defensive games of his career.

Zachariah Branch, who was expected to become more of a complete receiver as a sophomore, regressed in a new role, while Ja’Kobi Lane blew up early in the season only to average just two catches per game during the final two-thirds of the season.

With Notre Dame leading by two scores into the fourth quarter — and after a rare stop from USC’s defense — Maiava willed the Trojans back within striking distance, completing two big plays downfield to set up a six-yard touchdown strike to wideout Ja’Kobi Lane.