Trojans Learn Lesson Quickly, Roll Past Miami : USC: Three-guard offense controls the game’s tempo in a 92-71 victory. Miner leads the way with 31 points.

USC turned to a three-guard offense and turned itself around Saturday against the University of Miami.

The Trojans rebounded from an embarrassing loss at Maryland with a 92-71 victory over the Hurricanes before 2,784 at the Sports Arena.

Sophomore guard Harold Miner scored 31 points and had six rebounds to lead the Trojans, who--with the help of senior guards Robert Pack and Duane Cooper--had no problems handling Miami’s full-court pressure.

USC, which fell apart in the final 12 1/2 minutes of a 72-59 loss to Maryland Wednesday, left no opportunity for a repeat performance. Miner made his first six shots, including three three-pointers, as the Trojans built a 27-10 lead 10 minutes into the game.

Forward Ronnie Coleman had 18 points and six rebounds and Pack added 16 points and six assists for USC. The Trojans made 35 of 64 shots (55%).

“In the course of four days, we did both the Alpha and Omega of basketball,” USC Coach George Raveling said of the difference in his team’s play. “How you explain that, I don’t know.”

One explanation is USC’s aggressive defense, which forced 20 turnovers that led to several easy baskets.

With center Yamen Sanders still nursing an ankle injury, Raveling started Cooper and 6-foot-7 freshman Mark Boyd, giving the Trojans a quick lineup that was able to control the up-tempo style of the Hurricanes.

Miami (0-3), playing its final season as an independent before joining the Big East Conference next season, entered the game averaging 74 shots.

But USC (2-1) limited the Hurricanes to 62 shots. Miami shot 41% in the first half and 45% for the game.

“We played really good defense, slowed the tempo down and made them do what we we wanted them to do,” said Miner, who made nine of 13 shots, including four of five three-point attempts.

Said Miami Coach Leonard Hamilton of Miner: “He created some unusual types of problems because he caught the ball and scored before we even had a chance to get to him.”

Trojan Notes

Trojan center Yamen Sanders was available but did not play against Miami. Sanders is expected to see action against San Diego State Tuesday night.