USC GAME REPORT

FIRST HALF

USC: 43

KENTUCKY: 24

What Happened: USC controlled the tip and, from there, the half. Brandon Granville’s three-point shot on the Trojans’ second possession was the start of a 13-4 run in which all five starters scored. An 11-4 run extended USC’s lead to 31-10 midway through the half, as the Trojans made nine of their first 10 shots. Kentucky gained momentum with two baskets by freshman Jason Parker. But Sam Clancy’s slam off a missed three-point attempt by Granville quickly reversed the tide. Seconds later, Jeff Trepagnier made a steal and layup to give the Trojans a 39-19 lead.

What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: Kentucky appeared confused against USC’s zone defense for most of the half while searching for openings from the perimeter and being forced to use most of the shot clock. The Wildcats didn’t fare much better when USC switched to man-to-man.

Winning Number: 66.7%. The Trojans made 16 of their first 24 shots while building a 41-21 lead.

Wrong Number: 12. Kentucky had more turnovers than field goals (11).

Leading Scorers: USC--David Bluthenthal 10, Brian Scalabrine 9, Trepagnier 9, Granville 7. Kentucky--Parker 8, Saul Smith 6, Marvin Stone 4.

Leading Rebounders: USC--Clancy 3. Kentucky--Parker 5.

SECOND HALF

USC: 80

KENTUCKY: 76

What Happened: The Wildcats clawed their way back, the Trojans held them off. Kentucky immediately began to pare its largest halftime deficit of the season with suddenly hot three-point shooting from Keith Bogans and Smith. The Wildcats’ 22-4 surge included an 11-0 rebounding advantage and pulled them within 48-46. Baskets by Scalabrine and Clancy and a three-point basket by Trepagnier helped the Trojans maintain a slim lead. Kentucky made another run, closing to 75-74 on a put-back by Erik Daniels with 32 seconds to play. Bluthenthal’s five free throws in the final minute clinched the victory for USC.

What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: The Trojans quieted Kentucky’s late run with three impressive plays within two minutes. With USC leading, 68-62, Clancy blocked a shot by Parker and Parker missed on the put-back. Seconds later, Trepagnier scored on an alley-oop from Granville that gave USC an eight-point lead. A minute later, Scalabrine contributed to a 12-4 Trojan run with a leaping save of a loose ball going out of bounds.

Winning Number: Five. Bluthenthal made five of six throws in the final 31.3 seconds. Bluthenthal, who made 41 free throws in a row this season, led USC with 27 points.

Wrong Number: Six. Forward Tayshaun Prince of Kentucky scored only six points, the first time since December he had less than 10.

Leading Scorers: USC--Bluthenthal 17. Kentucky--Parker 14.

Leading Rebounders: USC--Clancy 4. Kentucky--Parker 9.