USC VS. NO. 15 STANFORD

Season results: USC 11-16 overall, 6-12 in Pacific 10; Stanford 23-7, 14-4 in Pac-10. Stanford swept USC, 80-72 and 73-67, this season after the Trojans beat the Cardinal three times last year, including 103-78 in the Pac-10 tournament.

How they match up: Stanford is still the bigger, more physical team and the Cardinal took advantage of its size in two victories over USC. The Trojans used their quickness to stay in both games, getting 22 steals while forcing 30 turnovers. USC has a deeper bench.

*--* STARTERS USC Ht Wt Stat Pos Stanford Ht Wt Stat Jerry Dupree 6-7 200 55.1% FG F Justin Davis 6-8 225 7.8 rpg Desmon Farmer 6-4 225 18.4 ppg F Josh 6-8 200 8.1 rpg Childress Rory O’Neil 6-11 240 36 blocks C Rob Little 6-10 275 56.4% FG Errick Craven 6-2 190 68 steals G Matt Lottich 6-4 205 71 3-PT Derrick 6-2 200 2.4 apg G Julius 6-1 185 15.7 ppg Craven Barnes KEY RESERVES Gregg 6-8 245 4 D-D Jason Haas, 6-2 180 1.1 apg Guenther, F G Rob 6-1 185 1.96 a/to Nick 6-6 200 4.6 ppg Hutchinson, Robinson, F G Nick Curtis, 6-8 220 5.7 rpg Dan 6-6 210 4.0 ppg F Grunfeld, F

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Keys to the game: If USC can neutralize Stanford’s size advantage and keep the Cardinal from dominating on the boards, the Trojans have a chance, especially if Jerry Dupree continues to play to his recent form. Stanford, which is already in the NCAA tournament and angling for a top-four seeding, may not be as hungry for the win as USC, which needs to win the tournament to advance.

-- Paul Gutierrez