Trepagnier Proves Worth on Defense

If this season’s version of the USC Trojans is predicated on tenacious defense, then Jeff Trepagnier might prove to be one of the team’s most valuable players.

Trepagnier brought the Sports Arena crowd to its feet with three blocks in a victory over Long Beach State on Tuesday. He also had two steals to match his season average.

“He turned the defense on in the second half,” Coach Henry Bibby said.

“I just play real hard,” Trepagnier said. “On defense, I play the position to try to get steals or a deflection.”

The 6-foot-4, 185-pound sophomore was second on the team in steals and had 14 blocks last season.

His teammates say his play inspires them.

“We feed off him,” center Brian Scalabrine said. “Because when he’s getting deflections and he’s getting steals, we’re making 10-0 runs or 12-0 runs.”

The feeling is contagious.

“We just get really pumped,” Trepagnier said. “We want to play even more defense.”