USC GAME REPORT

FIRST HALF

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USC: 38

DUKE: 43

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What Happened: Showing no fear against the top-seeded Blue Devils, USC again got off to a good start as Jeff Trepagnier made a three-pointer to open the game and Sam Clancy and David Bluthenthal also sank jumpers. Duke guard Jason Williams, the player of the tournament to date, scored seven points in a row and had 12 of the Blue Devils’ first 18 points. An 18-4 run by Duke forced USC to play from behind. USC Coach Henry Bibby made his first substitution with 8:04 remaining when he brought in forward Jarvis Turner. Turner, who was granted an extra year of eligibility because of injuries last season, had four effective minutes and was able to give Brian Scalabrine a needed rest. Duke grabbed a 10-point lead, but Scalabrine made two clutch three-pointers and Desmon Farmer made a running jumper to keep the Trojans within striking distance at halftime.

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What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: Shane Battier can shoot the three-pointer, but is also adept inside. Effective positioning against Scalabrine allowed him to receive entry passes and get points.

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Winning Number: 6. The number of points Turner had. Desperately needing production from the bench, Turner provided a huge lift. In four minutes, he made three of five shots, had a key rebound that led to a basket and made two steals.

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Wrong Number: 33. The number of points Battier and Williams combined to score. What do you expect the Trojans to do? Stop them? Both are first-team All-Americans.

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Leading Scorers: USC--Bluthenthal 9, Scalabrine 8, Sam Clancy 8. Duke--Battier 17, Williams 16.

Leading Rebounders: USC--Bluthenthal 5. Duke--Battier 5.

SECOND HALF

USC: 69

DUKE: 79

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What Happened: USC seemed to turn it up a notch on both ends. In a two-minute sequence, Clancy and Scalabrine combined for three blocks. Williams finally slowed down and missed 10 consecutive shots dating to the first half. Scalabrine made a three-pointer and Clancy followed with an inside basket to cut Duke’s lead to 48-45. Williams returned with a three-pointer and Chris Duhon made another to push the lead to nine. At this point, the Trojans had forced Duke to play at a slower tempo but couldn’t make enough shots. Duhon made two more long shots that drained the life out of the Trojans. USC had one last gasp and forced three consecutive Duke turnovers, but managed only one point in the final two minutes.

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What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: Duke’s advantage in quality depth began to take effect. Coach Mike Krzyzewski used only seven players but he substituted more frequently than Bibby. Nate James and Carlos Boozer played 41 minutes. James’ minutes were key as Williams was able to get some rest. Meanwhile, Turner, Farmer and point guard Robert Hutchinson combined to play only 13 minutes for USC.

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Winning Number: 11. The number of points scored by Duhon. After passing up shots all night, Duke’s freshman guard made three big three-pointers each time the Trojans tried to draw close. If Williams opts to leave for NBA green, the Blue Devils will be fine with Duhon.

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Wrong Number: 5:17. Between Clancy’s layup and Trepagnier’s 15-foot jumper, USC did not make a field goal over that span. Duke increased the lead from three points to 10, effectively cutting off any Trojan momentum.

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Leading Scorers: USC--Clancy 11. Duke--Williams 12.

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Leading Rebounders: USC--Clancy 10. Duke--Battier 5, Williams 5.