USC 70, Stanford 69

Another great Pac-10 game at the Galen Center. Wow. USC is now 5-3 in conference play, but could easily be 2-6 or 7-1. The Trojans have found a way to win the close games as of late and now sit just one game out of first place.

Let's start with the positives from last night. The Trojans efficiency on offense was very good. USC scored early and often, getting out to a quick 12-4 lead and maintaining that lead for most of the first half. Even with pneumonia, it was Taj Gibson's game last night. However, the Trojans received contributions from six other players as well, the most significant of which was probably Leonard Washington. He showed soft touch around the basket and was a force to be reckoned with on the glass. Washington gave the Trojans the spark they needed to start the second half as well. Speaking of spark, DeMar DeRozan and Marcus Johnson both slammed home highlight reel dunks that really got the crowd going. DeRozan also had a big time clutch shot from the top of the key in the closing couple minutes. It was also nice to see Dwight Lewis back out on the floor. He didn't try to do too much because he isn't fully healthy yet, but he provided valuable minutes.

The major negative coming out of last night was the defense. I thought Tim Floyd using a zone in the first half was good because it gave his ailing players a bit of a breather. However, Stanford did a great job of knocking down their shots, and Floyd probably should have switched up the D sooner than halftime. Floyd went to man defense after halftime, and it was much more effective. Stanford shot only 38% in the second half compared to 51% in the first. The Trojans did a much better job of contesting shots in the second half, which was the main reason for the disparity. Nonetheless, Lawrence Hill and Landry Fields both had great nights shooting and Mitch Johnson also made a couple big threes. The thing that killed the Trojans the most on D last night was switching on screens. USC needs to do a better job of fighting through the screens and at least contesting the shot. Also, it sometimes seemed like the Trojans were confused weather they were switching or not. If they switch, it has to happen much quicker. Stanford caught the Trojans in slow switches all night.

It was another hard fought win for the Trojans, and one they needed to have. The Trojans have to tighten up the D against Cal tomorrow, but should win that game at home. Assuming they do, they will be 6-3 after the first half of Pac-10 play, which is not too bad for a team that has had key players like Leonard Washington and Dwight Lewis miss multiple games. I'm predicting that the Trojans beat Cal, and then go 6-3 or 7-2 in the second half of conference play.

Here's how I see the Trojans remaining schedule playing out after the Cal game.

"Lock" games: Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington State (all at home)

Nothing is ever an absolute lock in the Pac-10, but these three teams are all far inferior to the Trojans and USC gets them all at home. No excuse for losing to any of them.

Leaning W games: Washington, @UCLA, @Arizona, @Stanford

A lot of people may disagree with me on UCLA, but I have said for a long time that I believe they're the most overrated team in the country. They have only two players averaging double figures and have zero presence inside to stop Taj. More on that game next week. Washington is good, but we get them at home. Arizona and Stanford are mediocre teams that must be beat, even on the road.

Leaning L games: @Arizona State, @Cal

To me, Arizona State and USC are the two most talented teams in the conference. I can't see us beating ASU twice this year. Cal is solid enough that they should beat us in Berkeley.

A lot can change between now and the end of the season, but I believe if the Trojans can stay healthy they will make a run at the Pac-10 title. After Cal, I'll have seen everyone play the Trojans once, and so far no one has really impressed me. With the Pac-10 down this year, the Trojans have a shot at it.