Scalabrine Embraces Starring Role

Before their successful weekend in Washington, Brian Scalabrine remarked how the Trojans needed to know they could win a close game in adverse conditions.

USC’s junior center got a positive answer in USC’s 81-79 overtime victory over the Huskies. The Trojans lost a double-digit lead late in the game, forced the overtime, hung together after Jeff Trepagnier and Sam Clancy both fouled out and came from behind for the victory.

“We kind of lost our focus for about [the last] five minutes [of regulation], said Scalabrine, who scored the decisive basket with 49 seconds left. “We let the officials get to us, we let our defense down. Then we finally got to overtime and allowed ourselves to come back.

“We knew we could win a close game. I finally said if we’re gonna win a close game, I have to take over the game. Brandon [Granville] gave me nice passes when he could and shots fell down.”

It was also the first time this season that Scalabrine--who had a season-high 24 points--looked like the star player USC has needed and wanted.

Scalabrine has spent much of the season being double-teamed and working within the structure of Coach Henry Bibby’s offense, one that has stressed near equal contributions from all five starters.

But after Trepagnier and Clancy were gone and the other Trojans became tentative about shooting, Scalabrine--who played all 45 minutes--took over and carried the team. He made the two biggest shots of overtime, a 19-footer from the top of the key with 1:24 remaining to even the score at 78, and a driving layup that give the Trojans the lead for good.

He made 10 of 18 shots and all four free throws, but didn’t spend all his time shooting. Five of his nine rebounds were on the offensive end. He also had three assists and three steals to virtually negate six turnovers.