Trojans looking for a road split

The last time USC beat Washington State in Pullman, DeMar DeRozan was 14 years old and Tim Floyd was out of coaching. Henry Bibby was the Trojans’ coach, and no one really cared about tailback Reggie Bush’s living arrangements.

2003 was a long time ago.

“I was in the eighth grade,” DeRozan said. “I don’t even remember what I was doing back then. That’s the last time we won there? That’s crazy.”

Sanity has nothing to do with it.

The Trojans’ desire to be a player in the Pacific 10 Conference race hinges on improving as a road team, starting today in Pullman, where Floyd has never known victory as USC’s coach.

“You win conference titles on the road,” point guard Daniel Hackett said.

USC (12-6 overall, 3-3 in conference play) is 1-2 on the road in Pac-10 games after losing to Washington, 78-73, Thursday.

Meanwhile, the conference’s top teams are bringing home shiny souvenirs from their conference travels.

UCLA has a 4-0 record on the road. Washington is 3-0 outside Seattle, and is tied with the Bruins for first place. Both have won in Pullman already.

“Pullman is a tough environment,” forward Taj Gibson said. “First you have to fly to Spokane, then drive two hours just to get there. The fans are tough on you.

“It’s a college town, that’s all they have there, so everyone is into the team. They make it tough to hear.”

The Cougars (11-7, 3-3) have something to do with that as well with their grind-’em-down style.

“They’re real selective in their shots,” Hackett said. “They force you to play at their tempo.”

Plus it’s the road. That has been an eye-opener for Trojans newbies.

DeRozan, a freshman, said, “What I have learned is you’ve got to fight through a lot adversity around the Pac-10. You’re playing against the crowd and the referees.”

And which one is worse?

“They’re equal,” DeRozan said.

USC shot 17 free throws against Washington on Thursday. The Huskies shot 40.

Even Marcus Johnson, hardened by two seasons of playing in the Big East with Connecticut, has felt the grind of the Pac-10 road.

“Before I came to USC, I was sure nothing was tougher than the Big East,” said Johnson, who is playing his first season for the Trojans. “The Pac-10 is just as tough.”

Tough or not, the Trojans want to become road hogs.

“Coach Floyd has been telling us he has never won [in Pullman],” Hackett said.

“This is a very meaningful game. We have to get a split up here. It’s time to take care of business.”

Lewis doubtful

Guard Dwight Lewis, the Trojans’ leading scorer, said Friday that he was ready to play after missing the Washington game with a sprained left ankle.

His body, though, doesn’t seem to be cooperating.

Lewis began practice Friday, but didn’t finish and is unlikely to play today.

“It doesn’t look good,” Floyd said. “He went over to the sidelines and took his shoes off after a half an hour.”

Floyd said that the Trojans will miss Lewis more today than Thursday, as “Washington State doesn’t give up many jump shots. We were going to need him jump shooting.”

Johnson’s best

Johnson, who has played seven games since become eligible in late December, gave his best performance against the Huskies.

While his play was somewhat sporadic, he scored eight points, which included three impressive drives to the basket.

“I’m feeling a lot more comfortable in the offense,” said Johnson, a 6-foot-6 wing who is averaging 4.0 points. “I can be an energy guy, penetrate and get some shots. I can be valuable to this team.”

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chris.foster@latimes.com