USC-Cal

Every game in conference play is so important and tonight's is no exception. In fact, this game is of heightened importance because the winner will move into sole possession of third place in the Pac-10, just one game behind Washington and UCLA. The conference is really starting to separate itself out into the top 5 teams and the bottom 5. UCLA, Washington, USC, Cal, and ASU all have legitimate chances to win the league. That's why when USC plays any game against one of the other four top contenders, a win is even more important.

Cal may have the most talented back court in the conference with Jerome Randall (18 ppg) and Patrick Christopher (15 ppg). Theo Robertson and Jamal Boykin also average double figures. Robertson, Randall, and Christopher all shoot over 40% from three as well, and usually live and die by the triple. Cal's defense is definitely suspect, however. I don't think they will have any answer for Taj Gibson tonight. DeMar DeRozan is also due for another breakout game. The X-factor, as usual, should be Dwight Lewis. He'll have to score around 15 against a very good offensive Cal team for the Trojans to win.

The Trojans defensive philosophy should be interesting in this one. Last game, they played a lot of zone in the first half to give their players a rest on D, before going to man in the second half. Tonight, a straight zone won't work against a Cal team that can stroke it from behind the arc. My guess is that the Trojans will go mostly man with a little triangle and 2 mixed in on Randall and Christopher.

The coaching match up is very intriguing. Cal coach Mike Montgomery is receiving a lot of praise for the job he has done with a team that finished 9th in the conference last year. Tim Floyd is known as one of the best game planners, while Montgomery is very good at making adjustments on the fly within games, so it will be interesting to see who wins the cerebral battle.

Championship teams win at home, and if the Trojans have any ideas of winning the Pac-10, they must defend their home court tonight. A win gives them their third straight headed into Pauly Pavilion for the crucial cross town showdown next Wednesday. Let's play. Fight On.