After Defeating the Sun Devils, Trojans Can Start to NIT-Pick
TEMPE, Ariz. — In one game, USC practically guaranteed itself a berth in the National Invitation Tournament and made sure it won’t see Arizona State in the postseason.
Elias Ayuso scored a season-high 25 points and Brian Scalabrine had 21 as the Trojans beat Arizona State, 84-73, and sent the Sun Devils to a losing record Saturday.
The Trojans, 15-12 overall and 7-11 in the Pacific 10 Conference, needed a turnaround after their starters combined for 20 points in an 88-73 loss to Arizona two days before.
“This was a very tough and physical game that both teams had to win. I thought our kids stepped up and showed a lot of character,†USC Coach Henry Bibby said.
Jeff Trepagnier had 17 points and a career-high 12 rebounds for the Trojans, including two dunks, a layup and two free throws as USC outscored the Sun Devils, 20-10, in the final three minutes.
“I wasn’t really worried about the points,†Trepagnier, a sophomore, said about his fourth double-double. “I was just worried about the rebounds, because my coach wants the rebounds, so I got every one I could.â€
Adam Spanich started the surge with a three-point basket with 2:56 left, opening a 67-63 lead, and added two free throws down the stretch.
Bobby Lazor scored a season-high 30 points and had 11 rebounds, but couldn’t keep Arizona State (14-16, 6-12) in it. Mike Batiste had 17 points.
“It’s kind of a broken record from our other games,†Lazor said. “We just didn’t execute when we needed to and we didn’t get stops when we needed to. They built the lead up a little bit with some free throws and made it tough to come back.â€
The Sun Devils missed the contribution of leading scorer Eddie House, who twisted his right ankle in the second half and finished with five points.
USC led, 36-34, at halftime.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
