Johnson Eases His Frustrations

When Adam Spanich’s three-point shot tumbled through the basket to give USC its shocking victory over No. 2 Arizona on Thursday, it also gave guard Gary Johnson some payback. The senior from Washington, D.C., has no grudges with any of Arizona’s stars, although one might think that considering his best performances have come against the Wildcats.

Johnson scored 27 points Thursday and 30 against the Wildcats in their first meeting in January. But Johnson sought redemption from a season that has not fulfilled its promise.

“I wanted this game for everything that has gone wrong this year,” said Johnson, referring to the Trojans’ 7-19 record before Thursday’s game. “I also wanted it for the coaches. Winning this game has made the season for all of us and has made my experience here at USC.”

What adds to the frustration is that USC was competitive against three of the six top-10 teams it played. In December, the Trojans lost by five to then-No. 2 Kansas, led Arizona for a half in their first meeting and took UCLA into overtime two weeks ago.

In between, USC lost to Long Beach State, was beaten by both Oregon schools and lost to last-place Washington State only last week.

“Sure some of these guys have had tough seasons, but I’ve never given up on them,” Coach Henry Bibby said. “I always wanted them to stay confident. They had that [Thursday] night. I could see it in their eyes.”

TONIGHT

vs. Arizona State

* 5 p.m.

* Fox Sports

West

Site--Sports Arena

TV--Fox Sports West

Radio--KIEV, AM (870)

Records--Trojans, 8-19, 4-13. Sun Devils, 18-12, 8-9.

Update-- Jarvis Turner, who dislocated his ring finger against Arizona, will have the finger taped and USC officials said it should not be a problem. Turner scored a career-high 19 points, 15 in the second half, against the Wildcats. The Sun Devils, who defeated the Trojans in January, 84-81, are fighting for a possible NCAA tournament bid. Arizona State is led by All-American candidate Jeremy Veal, who is averaging 22.4 points and 3.6 assists. Junior forward Bobby Lazor has averaged 18.1 points and 9.4 rebounds in his last 10 games.