Rest Can Only Help Trojans

USC, which doesn’t play again for a week, will take advantage of its last extended break of the regular season for some rest and recuperation.

Coach Henry Bibby said he will give the players “two to three days off” before getting them ready for next weekend’s trip to Arizona.

“I want the guys to get away from basketball and rejuvenate,” Bibby said. “I’m not big on wearing guys out this late in the season. Some guys have already played a lot of minutes. We want to keep them focused on the direction we want to go.”

Brian Scalabrine, who had 20 points Wednesday against UCLA, is ready for some time off. When asked if he got tired in the second half, Scalabrine replied, “I’m not allowed to say that.” But when asked about the eight-day break, Scalabrine responded immediately. “I’m gonna get some rest.”

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Bibby played on three national championship teams at UCLA and said he still gets a charge when he sees the 1970, 1971 and 1972 title banners at Pauley Pavilion.

“It brings back a lot of memories,” he said. “I had a great career there for four years. I met great people, I was coached by one of the greatest coaches ever. And my life kind of started at UCLA in Pauley Pavilion. I’m conscious of everything that happened for me over there.

“But I don’t live in the past of what happened over there. I’m very happy to be [at USC], and I’m trying to get some of the things started that I helped start over there. That’s my thinking.”