Eight-Day Break Gives Players Opportunity to Shake Slumps

The Trojans have lost two in a row, dropped their third game of the season on a last-second three-point basket and are on an eight-day break between games after opting not to play a nonconference game during UCLA week.

“We got the sorrow run out of us,” senior David Bluthenthal said, alleviating fears that the Trojans, who play host to Arizona State on Thursday, would spend their break wallowing in self-pity.

Bluthenthal has used the respite to work on his jump shot. The small forward has been relegated to the second team in practice and is not sure if he will start against the Sun Devils.

“It’s all about the team,” Bluthenthal said. “If I don’t start, I won’t get down on myself. I’ll just accept my role and do what I can to help the team get the win.”

Bluthenthal, who said this has been his most trying collegiate season, made a clutch three-pointer late in the UCLA game and said he hopes it’s the type of shot that can break him out of his season-long funk.

“I think my problem is that I’m not having fun playing ball,” he said.

“I’m getting mad at myself when I’m missing shots. I’ve been worrying about [impressing NBA] scouts.”

Errick Craven, another Trojan who has been flat, used the break to rest and ice his tired and heavy legs. USC’s starting shooting guard has been tentative on offense and his lightning-quick first step toward the basket has been neutralized as opposing teams have adapted to him.

He also has hit the freshman wall.

“I’m not doing much wrong, I’m just not doing much well,” Craven said. “I’m just out there running around and as a starter you can’t do that.”

Paul Gutierrez