After Defeating the Sun Devils, Trojans Can Start to NIT-Pick

In one game, USC practically guaranteed itself a berth in the National Invitation Tournament and made sure it won’t see Arizona State in the postseason.

Elias Ayuso scored a season-high 25 points and Brian Scalabrine had 21 as the Trojans beat Arizona State, 84-73, and sent the Sun Devils to a losing record Saturday.

The Trojans, 15-12 overall and 7-11 in the Pacific 10 Conference, needed a turnaround after their starters combined for 20 points in an 88-73 loss to Arizona two days before.

“This was a very tough and physical game that both teams had to win. I thought our kids stepped up and showed a lot of character,” USC Coach Henry Bibby said.

Jeff Trepagnier had 17 points and a career-high 12 rebounds for the Trojans, including two dunks, a layup and two free throws as USC outscored the Sun Devils, 20-10, in the final three minutes.

“I wasn’t really worried about the points,” Trepagnier, a sophomore, said about his fourth double-double. “I was just worried about the rebounds, because my coach wants the rebounds, so I got every one I could.”

Adam Spanich started the surge with a three-point basket with 2:56 left, opening a 67-63 lead, and added two free throws down the stretch.

Bobby Lazor scored a season-high 30 points and had 11 rebounds, but couldn’t keep Arizona State (14-16, 6-12) in it. Mike Batiste had 17 points.

“It’s kind of a broken record from our other games,” Lazor said. “We just didn’t execute when we needed to and we didn’t get stops when we needed to. They built the lead up a little bit with some free throws and made it tough to come back.”

The Sun Devils missed the contribution of leading scorer Eddie House, who twisted his right ankle in the second half and finished with five points.

USC led, 36-34, at halftime.