No Reason for Recent Success

By DAVID WHARTON

March 2, 1999 12 AM PT

Don’t ask USC players to explain the reversal of fortune--victories over Stanford, Washington and Washington State--that has given them hope for a berth in the National Invitation Tournament.

The Trojans still lack consistent offensive punch but turnovers are down and defense has kept them in games. Maybe freshmen such as Brandon Granville and Sam Clancy are finally comfortable with USC’s multiple defenses.

“I’m kind of afraid to ask why they’re picking it up,” Coach Henry Bibby said. “Let a sleeping dog lie.”

Saturday’s victory over Washington State assured a winning regular-season record for a USC team that went 9-19 last season, but at least one player isn’t satisfied with that progress.

“We have to go to a tournament,” center Brian Scalabrine said. “If we just have a winning record, it’s not a step forward.”

Coming up: Thursday at Arizona, Saturday at Arizona State.

USC Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

No Reason for Recent Success

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