pac 10 tournament - TROJANS: USC hoops secures sixth spot at Pac-10 tournament

Los Angeles: A couple victories over two of the worst teams in the Pacific-10 Conference comes as a sign of progress these days for USC, especially after it avoided the dreaded play-in game in this week's conference tournament.

The Trojans defeated Oregon State, 68-52, before 6,603 at the Galen Center on Saturday night and wrapped up sixth place in the Pac-10. That means they do not play in Wednesday's first-round games, which match the lowest four teams.

Instead, USC plays California at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Staples Center.

"It seemed like we just saw them last week," USC coach Tim Floyd said.

Probably because the Trojans did play Cal last week. USC split two games with the Bears, winning at home, 73-62, while losing in overtime in Berkeley, 81-78.

"They wore us out from the perimeter (last week)," Floyd said. "(Point guard Jerome) Randle has always been a challenge for us. (Shooting guard) Patrick Christopher is a challenge for everyone in the league. They're best lineup is a small lineup against us.

"They played us two different ways. They attacked us with their inside guys the first time and in the second game attacked us from the perimeter."

Although USC (18-12, 9-9) probably needs to win the Pac-10 Tournament for any hope of making the NCAA Tournament, Floyd could not resist selling the Trojans after the game. He said Miami (18-11, 7-9) and Kentucky (19-12, 8-8) are still in contention for NCAA berths.

"People say they only need one more win," Floyd said.

The salesmanship might not impress the selection committee but maybe it will take fans' minds off a generally disappointing season, when you consider USC was selected to finish third in the Pac-10 preseason poll. USC's last three victories were over the conference's seventh, eighth and 10th-place teams.

At least freshman DeMar DeRozan is improving. He had 16 points and five rebounds against Oregon State and said whoever USC plays will be fine because he looks forward to going to Staples Center.

"I'm real excited playing in an NBA arena with that atmosphere," he said.

DeRozan reiterated Saturday that he has not decided whether he will return for his sophomore season.

"I'm really not thinking about that yet," he said.

The highlight of the Oregon State game occurred when senior walk-on Terence Green made a 3-pointer with 00.1 seconds left, his first basket of the season in his final home game. Ironically, Green made a 3-pointer last year against Oregon State.

"It's probably the best feeling of my life," Green said. "It makes everything perfect. That's my one shining moment, like in the NCAA's."

Notes

Floyd did not insert forward Leonard Washington until 2:10 remained in the first half. Asked why Washington was held out, Floyd said, "I had my reason but I don't want to share it with you."

Point guard Ryan Francis, who was murdered three years ago, was honored with USC's other seniors before the game. His mother, Paulette Francis, and some family members attended the game.

"It was sad," Floyd said. "We talked about him as a coaching staff after every game we've played. It's so tragic he was not with us."


Source: pasadenastarnews.com