Scalabrine Finds Going Tough

Before Pacific 10 Conference play, Brian Scalabrine led the Trojans in scoring with 16 points a game. Over the last two weeks, however, he has averaged fewer than 12.

Part of the problem may be USC’s limited arsenal. Opponents have concentrated on shutting down the three-point shooters, Adam Spanich and Elias Ayuso, and sagging in on the red-headed center.

“I just know that it’s a lot harder to get a wide-open look than it was five games ago,” Scalabrine said. “I’m not like [Michael] Jordan, where I can create my own shot.”

Coach Henry Bibby thinks Pac-10 defenses, considerably tougher than what his team faced during much of the the nonconference schedule, are making the sophomore hesitant.

“He’s waiting too long to make his move and the defense is settling in on him,” Bibby said. “He needs to watch film to see how he can get back to where he was earlier this season.”

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No one on the USC team is panicking after three consecutive losses. Not yet.

Forward Greg Lakey takes it as encouraging that his coaches aren’t yelling any more than normal. Guard Quincy Wilder is glad that none of his teammates are pointing fingers.

Even so, the Trojans have begun to talk in terms of life and death.

“Everybody’s together so we’ll bounce back,” Wilder said. “Even if we don’t, we’ll die trying.”

Said Bibby: “There is some life and we can be in the hunt, but we’ve got to go get it. We’re just not playing well now.”