Is There a Method to This Madness?

With USC having used 11 starting lineups in its 15 games, some might believe Coach Henry Bibby is overcoaching.

Junior forward Adam Spanich, who has been one of USC’s best offensive weapons during the first half of the season and who had started the three previous games, including both of USC’s conference wins, was relegated back to the bench in place of senior forward Gary Williams against California on Saturday.

Williams scored 10 points, grabbed two rebounds and had four turnovers in 33 minutes.

Spanich, a devastating three-point shooter, scored 16 points, grabbed three rebounds and turned the ball over once in 16 minutes of play.

“I know if I play 40 minutes we win that ballgame,” Spanich said.

So why sit Spanich and play Williams?

“Williams had a great practice last week and the best players get the start,” Bibby said. “I’ve got to find a way to motivate these guys. If they play hard in practice, their reward is starting or playing a lot of minutes.”