Consistently Inconsistent USC Wins, 84-80

For those who’ve followed USC this season, the 84-80 victory over Stanford on Sunday should not come as a surprise considering the Trojans’ recent up-and-down play.

In keeping with their pattern of playing well after a tough defeat, the Trojans played their most unselfish game to date and made their free throws down the stretch to improve to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference.

Before 2,461 at the Sports Arena, USC bounced back from Thursday’s 63-60 loss to California with a balanced effort on a day when the Trojans had to play without point guard Cameron Murray, who started but played only two minutes because of back spasms.

In Murray’s place, Stais Boseman directed the team and played 35 minutes, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists. It was Boseman’s free-throw shooting and defense, however, that helped USC end a five-game losing streak to Stanford (8-4, 2-2).

After making only one of six free throws against Cal, Boseman made 12 of 15, including eight of 10 in the final 2:45 of the game. Boseman also helped keep Stanford high-scoring guard Dion Cross without a field goal over the final 13 minutes.

“In order for us to win, we have to play together,” Boseman said. “We’ve finally realized that as a team we have to pass the basketball and try to get other people [going] first. We just couldn’t lose two games at home. If we did, it would have probably ended our whole season because we have to travel and play at both Arizona schools next week. I was tired as hell out there but it became mind over matter for me.”

Despite being outrebounded by Stanford, 44-27, USC’s balance and depth wore the Cardinal down as the Trojans had four players score in double figures. Brandon Martin scored 17, including 13 in the second half, David Crouse had a career-high 15 and Jaha Wilson had 14.

The Cardinal took a 19-10 lead eight minutes into the game, but the Trojans responded behind Crouse, who came off the bench after starter Avondre Jones got into foul trouble. USC trailed, 37-33, at halftime.

Stanford started the second half like it did the first by outscoring USC, 22-17, over the first 10 minutes before USC made its decisive run. Over the next five minutes, the Trojans outscored the Cardinal, 16-2, with Boseman scoring seven points for a 67-61 lead with 4:10 remaining in the game.

From there, USC won the game by making 15 of 20 free throws down the stretch. “We didn’t want anymore could of, would of, should of stuff,” said Crouse, who also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds in 29 minutes. “Everyone on this team has to be ready to contribute at all times in order for us to stay in the Pac-10 race.”

With Stanford playing without center Tim Young, who has been sidelined because of a back injury, Crouse’s play was important because Jones was limited to 14 minutes due to foul problems.

USC’s reserves outscored Stanford’s, 24-7, with Ty Reuter joining Crouse with nine points. USC also got a big lift from freshman Damion Dawson, who played a career-high 20 minutes and was instrumental in the Trojans’ defense of point guard Brevin Knight and Cross.

“Defense is my strong point and I was glad to get out there and play,” said Dawson, who did not score but had three rebounds and two steals. “It was important for us to play together because we’ve been talking about that nearly every day.”

Knight led Stanford with 20 points, Cross added 16 and Darren Allaway had 15 and 13 rebounds. The Cardinal made only five of 22 three-point attempts.

The Trojans, who followed losses to Loyola Marymount, Utah, Washington and Cal with victories, play at Arizona and Arizona State Thursday and Saturday.

“This was a big win for us, to beat a team as quality as [Stanford],” USC Coach Charlie Parker said. “When we’re focused, we can play with anybody.”