Gauchos Won’t Be Taken Lightly

The Trojans have several ways of looking at tonight’s opponent, UC Santa Barbara, and its 0-5 record. The Gauchos have lost three games by only a point. But they have fallen to, among others, Westmont College.

“It’s maybe not a good sign for them that they are 0-5, but this is a big game for USC to come in,” USC Coach Henry Bibby said. “It’s a game you don’t take lightly.”

Tonight will mark the Trojans’ first visit to the Thunderdome, Santa Barbara’s cozy 6,000-seat gymnasium. With his team unbeaten in four games, Bibby is taking some enjoyment from playing the role of the favorite, something he didn’t get much chance to do with a 9-19 record last season.

“Teams are getting up to play us, doesn’t matter what their record is,” he said. “Everybody has something to prove.”