So Far, They’re Not Half Bad

While it’s early to define any trends with USC, one pattern seems to be forming.

The 12th-ranked Trojans are a second-half team.

the Trojans have trailed at halftime in three of five games. (Last season they were 0-8 when trailing after the first half.) They are averaging 39.8 points in the first half and opponents are averaging 38.4.

But the final 20 minutes have belonged to USC. The Trojans are averaging 48.2 points, opponents 37.

The question hanging over Coach Henry Bibby is how to get USC operating at the same level in the first half as it does in the second. He has already read the riot act to players at halftime several times, including Tuesday against Cal State Northridge.

“The message is too familiar,” Bibby said.

Even though they are undefeated, the Trojans said something needs to change.

“The first half it seems we’re shaky,” Desmon Farmer said. “We need to be more explosive. You can’t always do it in the second half. We need to keep our composure in the first and second half. Right now we’re just playing half a game.”

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Brian Scalabrine says he’s not superstitious. But he has worn the same sweater--orange, with blue and green stripes and the initials “Pf” on the front--the last three games.

After going scoreless against San Diego, Scalabrine received the sweater as a gift from his mother during the Thanksgiving holiday. Since wearing the sweater, Scalabrine has scored 22, 18 and 19 points the last three games.

He will wear it to Santa Barbara on Saturday.