They Prepped for This Trip

Brandon Granville and David Bluthenthal already have a Philadelphia story.

When the two were at Westchester High, their team (and Crenshaw) played games against Overbrook and Benjamin Franklin in the 1997-98 season. Westchester won both games.

“I remember the historical sites like the [Liberty] Bell and where they signed the Declaration of Independence,” Bluthenthal said.

How about the food?

“I love Philly cheese steaks.”

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Before Saturday’s game, St. Patrick’s Day had not been a lucky one for USC.

The last time the Trojans played in New York on March 17, the year was 1973. The opponent? Notre Dame, in the National Invitation Tournament.

“We made a bunch more field goals than they did,” recalled Jim Hefner, a former Trojan assistant coach who is part of the USC radio team. “But we shot two free throws; they shot more than 30. As I recall, the lead ref’s name was Casey.”

Notre Dame won by four.

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USC has won two tournament games for only the second time. The other time was in 1954. In 1940, when USC also went to the Final Four, the Trojans only had to win one game before getting there.

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Sam Clancy became the fourth Trojan this season and 26th all-time to reach 1,000 points. His four blocks give him 73, a school season record.

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The Trojans shot 59.5% from the field, a season high. USC’s 37 field-goal attempts are a season low. The team also attempted 37 free throws. . . . Today is Brian Scalabrine’s 23rd birthday.