Spanich Draws Attention, Takes Different Approach

Other than USC and Washington State, every Pacific 10 team has at least two players among the conference’s top 20 scorers. USC has only junior forward Adam Spanich, who is No. 20 in scoring at 13.8 points a game.

The 6-foot-7 Spanich, who has made 31 of 74 three-point shots (41.9%), has found steadily fewer open shots since the early-season games. The Trojans’ lack of another scoring threat has allowed opponents to key on Spanich, who has been unable to create his own shots.

To compensate, Spanich has tried to draw more fouls in recent games. He has made 36 of 42 free throws (85.7%) in Pac-10 play, the third-best percentage in the conference.

“Opponents have a habit of running at Adam when he’s about to shoot,” Coach Henry Bibby said. “We’ve talked about getting into position when he shoots so that they are sure to run into him.”

*

California has played well in its last three games despite losing all three. The Golden Bears lost to then No. 23 Rhode Island, 72-63, to No. 9 Stanford, 74-72, and to No. 6 Arizona, 70-57.

TONIGHT

vs. California

* 7

* Fox Sports West 2

Site--Sports Arena.

Radio--KIEV (870).

Records--Trojans 7-14, 3-8. Bears 8-11, 4-6.

Update--USC, which lost its seventh consecutive Pac-10 road game against Oregon on Saturday, will be trying to avenge last month’s 92-82 defeat to the Golden Bears. The Trojans, who are 3-1 at the Sports Arena in Pac-10 play, are searching for answers to their scoring deficiencies and inability to defend against three-pointers. Sean Marks, the Golden Bears’ 6-foot-11 forward, has been bothered by a sore right instep and was sidelined during the Bears’ loss to Rhode Island last week, is doubtful tonight. Sean Lampley, a 6-foot-7 freshman, probably will take his place in the starting lineup.