Bibby Is Not Thrilled With USC Victory

USC finished its brief exhibition schedule Saturday night with a 102-90 victory against the Double Pump All-Stars before an announced crowd of 652 at the Lyon Center.

Even though five Trojans finished in double figures--led by Brian Scalabrine’s 24 points--and outrebounded the All-Stars, 39-31, USC Coach Henry Bibby was not happy with his team’s performance.

“I was disappointed with our play and told them so,” Bibby said. “We were lackadaisical and we didn’t execute on both ends of the floor. I was real disappointed with our defense; we can’t let teams score 90 points on us, not even in games like this.

“I thought our first game was better than this,” referring to USC’s 89-65 victory against the California All-Stars last week.

The Trojans, who led, 47-41, at halftime, looked ready to blow out the Double Pump All-Stars early in the second half. A 25-9 run put USC ahead, 72-50, with 13:03 to play.

But the All-Stars, who were led by Brooklyn McLinn’s game-high 26 points, responded with a 16-4 spurt of their own to get back in the game. They made 12 of 29 three-point attempts, but never pulled to within less than seven points of the Trojans.

Sam Clancy made 10 of 13 shots and finished with 23 points and nine rebounds for USC. Mike Gill had 22 points for the All-Stars.

USC opens the regular season Friday against Cal State Northridge at the Sports Arena.