Defense Still Not Up to Par

With five wins in five games, there hasn’t been much wrong with the 12th-ranked Trojans.

Except for the USC defense, which might be the one itch Coach Henry Bibby has all season to scratch.

He would like to find one defense, whether it’s zone or man-to-man, for the Trojans to play consistently well. If it were up to him, that defense would be man-to-man.

“I’m not a big ‘zone’ coach, but so far we haven’t played any defense that well,” said Bibby, mindful that the Trojans are giving up an average of 75 points a game--about 10 more than he would like.

“There are times when he have been doing good things. And then there are times we do things I’ve never seen before. I’m still not sure what we do best, but we can get better. Last year it was not the kind of team that could get much better as the season went on.”

He added that a willingness to play defense was as important as long arms and quick feet.

“It’s tougher to get people to play defense because there are no rewards for it,” he said. “Everything the kids see or read revolves around how many points did you score.”

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So far the increase of fouls being called this season has benefited USC. The Trojans average 31 free throws, up from 22.4 last season. The Trojans have made 105 of 155 free throws (67.7%).

TONIGHT

at Santa Barbara, 7

* Site--The Thunderdome.

* Radio--KMPC (1540).

* Records--No. 12 USC 5-0; Santa Barbara 2-4.

* Update--The Trojans risk two streaks tonight. USC has won seven straight when last season’s final two wins are added to this season’s 5-0 start. And the Trojans are 9-0 against the Gauchos (although six wins came between 1947 and ‘48). Santa Barbara has won two in a row, but injuries have depleted Coach Bob Williams’ team. To pull off an upset, Santa Barbara must improve on its 38.6% shooting.