USC Faces Stanford Tonight

USC plays No. 17-ranked Stanford at 7 tonight in the Sports Arena.

Trojan Coach George Raveling thinks Stanford is one of the most physical teams in the Pacific 10 Conference.

“We know we’re in for a physical game against them,” Raveling said. “I might take out some extra life insurance for our team.”

USC is 8-17 overall and 1-12 in the Pac-10. Stanford is 19-5 and 11-3.

Although USC has lost 12 of 13 conference games, Stanford Coach Mike Montgomery says he’s not taking the Trojans lightly.

“You guys will laugh at this, but USC poses some problems for us,” Montgomery told Bay Area reporters after the Cardinal’s 97-71 victory over Cal last Thursday. His remarks were met with laughter.

“Talent-wise, they have some guys who can play,” Montgomery said of the Trojans. “Obviously, they’re going to be wanting to win real badly and there won’t be many people at the Sports Arena. That can be tough sometimes for a visiting team.”

Stanford is led by Todd Lichti, a 6-foot-4 senior guard, and Howard Wright, a 6-8 senior forward. Lichti is averaging 20.8 points and Wright is averaging 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds.