Trepagnier Getting a Starting Role

Jeff Trepagnier will move into the starting lineup today against Arizona State, Coach Henry Bibby said.

Bibby said Friday he had not yet decided whom Trepagnier will replace, but David Bluthenthal and Desmon Farmer are the likely candidates.

Bluthenthal is having a good season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds. But Bibby was not happy that Bluthenthal had only three rebounds in 40 minutes Thursday against Arizona, and may want to send a message.

On the other hand, Bibby cannot ignore the recent downturn in Farmer’s game. The freshman guard is averaging 9.1 points but has scored only 14 points the last three games after lighting up Washington State for a career-high 24 points Jan. 4. Against UCLA and Arizona, Farmer has looked tentative.

Trepagnier has played in only three games because of a foot injury and a suspension during an NCAA investigation.

Getting the rust off Trepagnier’s game is taking longer than either he or the Trojans had anticipated. He has made only eight of 27 shots--he missed four layups against Arizona--and has more turnovers, five, than steals, three.

Bibby wants to accelerate Trepagnier’s return to the form he had last season, when he averaged 15.9 points. As Pacific 10 Conference play continues, Bibby will need the maturity and experience that Trepagnier, a senior, can bring to the lineup.

Besides, if the coaching staff can get Farmer to accept a reserve role, he can give USC a scoring threat off the bench.

TODAY

at Arizona State

3 p.m. Channel 7

* Site--Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe, Ariz.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--No. 24 USC 12-4, 2-2 in Pacific 10 Conference; Arizona State 8-8, 0-5.

* Update--Fisticuffs broke out between Trepagnier and Awvee Storey at the end of last season’s game in Tempe.