LOS ANGELES — Much like the USC Trojans, Nicol Mobley has been busy over the last two weeks, dancing her way through the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis.

“There were definitely some moments where I had to stop and compose myself because I was just elated and excited," she said. 

What You Need To Know

  • USC is hoping to reach its first Final Four in the last 67 years by defeating Gonzaga

  • Gonzaga features a potential three first-round NBA picks and boasts the most efficient up-tempo offense in the tournament

  • USC, on the other hand, holds a top-ranked defense, and holds arguably the best player in the country in freshman center Evan Mobley

  • Should USC and UCLA both come away with wins in the Elite Eight, they will face each other for the first time in history in the Final Four

In fact, there were plenty of moments for the mom of two. Over the course of the tournament, her two sons, Evan and Isaiah Mobley, have helped lead the Trojans to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2001.

Now on the cusp of a potential first Final Four appearance since 1954, Nicol is ready to take in the action from her seat in the stands.

“First is seeing them and then taking in where you are, 'like oh my gosh, I’m seeing them in the NCAA tournament,'" she said. “To be there and see them in their joy and triumph, you can’t see that on TV, you can’t feel the emotion.”

And while it's been a wild ride for the Trojans thus far, rolling through Drake, Kansas, and most recently stifling the Oregon Ducks in an 82-68 Sweet Sixteen showdown, the Elite Eight will be no cakewalk for USC.

The Trojans will face an unbeaten, No.1 overall seed in Gonzaga — forced to come up with a roadmap to victory against a program that no other team has beaten all year.

Gonzaga not only boasts three potential first-round NBA Draft picks in freshman guard Jalen Suggs, senior forward Corey Kispert, and sophomore forward Drew Timme, but also holds the most efficient offense in all of college basketball.

But if any team holds a chance at defeating the Bulldogs, it's USC. The Trojans have arguably the most talented player in the tournament in Evan Mobley and have been hitting their stride through March thanks to stellar play on behalf of their supporting cast — including Evan's older brother Isaiah, senior guard Tahj Eaddy, and senior guard Isaiah White. 

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To Nicol, who will be on hand for the Elite Eight matchup, anything is possible for this Trojan team.

“We have all the ability, energy, love, support, skills to take it all the way," she said. "This is the NCAA Tournament, anything can happen, any given game, or any given day."

Alhough she can't quite put into words what it will be like should USC take down Gonzaga, Nicol was certain as to the first thing she'll tell her sons if the time comes.

“I’ll take one on each side, and when I can say the words, that’s what it will be: 'I love you and I’m so proud of you.'"