A Whirlwind Touches Down in Oregon

USC’s whirlwind basketball season could get even more interesting today and Sunday when the Trojans dive into Pacific 10 Conference play with games at Oregon and Oregon State.

The 7-4 Trojans figure to take some rebuilt confidence with them, having already survived the firing of coach Henry Bibby, then top candidate Rick Majerus’ acceptance and rejection of the position within a five-day span.

USC is 5-2 under interim Coach Jim Saia. And since a nine-point loss to La Salle on Nov. 30, the Trojans have been in every game.

“We’ve been through a lot of emotion during [nonconference] play,” Saia said. “But what I’m seeing now, especially after our [91-58 victory over Southern] Tuesday, is we’re starting to finish strong. Usually we’ve started strong and end up hanging on for dear life.”

The Pac-10 has been a struggle of late for USC, which has gone 15-21 in conference play the last two seasons -- not counting the postseason Pac-10 tournament.

And while some may question the validity of Oregon’s 8-1 record, built in part on victories over Idaho State, Marshall, Bethune Cookman and Winthrop, Saia does not.

“They may have the best home-court advantage in our conference,” said Saia, referring to McArthur Court. “But it doesn’t really matter where you start out in Pac-10. You’ve got to prepare for each game. You want to get off to a good start, but this is the schedule and you’ve got to go play it.”

For USC to compete, Saia said, the Trojans must slow Oregon’s transition game, fueled by guards Aaron Brooks (15.3 points a game), Malik Hairston (14.3) and Bryce Taylor (11.9). They are three big reasons why the Ducks are shooting 51.2% this season, second in the Pac-10.

“Brooks is a guy I recruited when I was at UCLA,” said Saia, a Bruin assistant from 1997 to 2003. “Just a phenomenal player. And Hairston and Taylor are great freshmen. They have experienced post players and a good bench. And Ernie Kent does a great job coaching them. He has a fun, exciting style of play.

“When they get the home crowd going, and they’re playing at their tempo, they are very dangerous.”

*

TODAY

at Oregon, 4 p.m.

Site -- McArthur Court, Eugene, Ore.

Radio -- KMPC (1540).

Records -- Trojans 7-4, Ducks 8-1.

Update -- The Trojans are looking to end a four-game losing streak against Oregon. USC last won at Eugene in 2001, 87-80 in overtime. As usual, the Ducks are tough on their home floor, 5-0 this season after a victory over Portland State on Tuesday. In fact, they’re tough anywhere; their only loss was to top-ranked Illinois. This is the second straight season USC has opened Pac-10 play against Oregon.