The Joy Ride Ends -- MSU 74, USC 69

The crazy ride of the last two weeks finally came to an end for USC on Sunday in Minneapolis. It was tough being there and watching the emotion on the faces of DeMar DeRozan and Taj Gibson, as they possibly walked off the court for the last time as Trojans. It sent chills through me watching Coach Floyd put his hands on his knees in frustration after Taj's fourth foul, and fearless leader Daniel Hackett scowling after he missed his last three pointer. All around, it was just tough to see such an incredible run, that started only a couple weeks ago, come to such a halting end.

Despite the disappointment, what a run it was for the Trojans. A team that looked dead in the water a month ago won three in three days to take the Pac-10 Tournament. They followed that up with a dominating win over Boston College and a relentless effort against Michigan State that fell just short. I still am saddened by that game (especially by the fourth foul call on Taj that I feel was most responsible for the loss), but I am so proud of how this team came together and fought instead of lying down. The way they played these past two weeks, they could have beaten anyone in the country. While that sounds awesome to say, it's still a bit saddening to know that USC could have given Kansas and Louisville a run for their money this weekend. Bottom line, though, I'm very proud of this team.

The questions have already started regarding DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Daniel Hackett and the possibility of leaving USC. I will address each situation in the upcoming weeks, but if I had to guess right now, I would say DeMar leaves while Gibson and Hackett stay. Some gut feeling, some inside information I've heard, etc. I'll expand upon it in the upcoming weeks. Even if Gibson and DeRozan both leave, however, this team will be a force in the Pac-10 and nationally next year with the recruits coming in (Renardo Sidney, Noel Johnson, Soloman Hill, and Derrick Williams), as well as players who didn't play this year because of eligibility or injury (Alex Stephenson, Kasey Cunningham), as well as top returning players (Hackett, Lewis, Leonard Washington, Vucevic, Simmons, etc.) Should be fun watching this program continue to grow under Coach Tim Floyd.

Well, it was a fun ride. I had a ton of fun following the ups and downs of this team on this blog and in person throughout the year. The main focus of this blog will now shift to the Minnesota Twins, however, expect frequent posts on the USC Basketball off season and maybe even some early USC Football talk if I feel like it. Thanks to the team for the ride and congrats on a job well done. They made me proud to be a Trojan this past weekend. Fight On.

NCAA Tournament Round 2: USC-Michigan State

USC used a terrific second half en route to a relatively easy victory over Boston College in Round 1 of the Big Dance. The task gets much tougher today, as the Trojans face the Big 10 Champion Michigan State Spartans. USC will need to play a nearly perfect game to beat the highly talented, athletic, and pationate team coached by Tom Izzo.

USC will need contributions from all of its starters today. The strategy offensively should be the same as it was in the first game: get the ball to Taj Gibson. The junior was phenomenal for the Trojans against BC and USC must take advantage of his athletic ability against Spartans center Goran Soutan. Soutan is very big and strong, but isn't as quick as Gibson. Look for Taj to use a little bit more of his face up game against the Spartans center. His outside jump shot also has to be on today because it won't be quite as easy for him to muscle his way inside. Dwight Lewis needs to play just like he did in the first round. He started out very hot from the perimeter against BC. The Trojans really need Lewis to hit outside jumpshots if they want a victory today. As usual, if Lewis plays well the Trojans should win. DeMar DeRozan had 18 against BC and the Trojans need that and more from him today. I don't think Michigan State has anyone who can stop the talented freshman from Compton, so look for DeMar to be very assertive. Daniel Hackett needs to provide a little more offensively than he did in Round 1. The Trojans need him to shoot well from outside and penetrate against a tough Spartans defense.

On the defensive end, Raymar Morgan could be a matchup problem for the Trojans. Coach Tim Floyd could use either DeMar DeRozan or Leonard Washington against Morgan, but both are at a slight disadvantage. DeRozan isn't as big or strong as Morgan and Washington isn't as quick. It will be an interesting decision who Coach Floyd decides to put on the talented Spartans forward. Marcus Simmons and Daniel Hackett should both see time on talented point guard Kalin Lucas. It will be critical for them to keep Lucas in front of them and not allow him to penetrate easily inside. Floyd could start Simmons today as he has been lately, but he could also start Leonard Washington against this bigger Michigan State lineup.

The Trojans are as hot as any team in the country right now. They have the talent to pull off the upset today. They just need to stay focused and play their game. They must come out with an extraordinary amount of energy and play the way they've been playing for the last six games. Let's keep this run going to the Sweet 16. Let's play! Fight On!

The Journey Begins: USC-Boston College

The NCAA Tournament begins for the Trojans this evening as they face Boston College at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. I'm very anxious to see if USC can maintain its momentum from the dramatic Pac-10 Tournament Championship last weekend. The Trojans are playing their best basketball right now, and if they can continue to do so, they will be a very tough out in this tournament.

There are two main keys for the Trojans today against BC: Contain dynamic point guard Tyrese Rice and come out with the same energy they came out with in the Pac-10 Tournament. Rice is the guy that makes the Eagles go. He is a terrific playmaker and can create shots for himself and others. Look for Marcus Simmons to get the start and the assignment on Rice. Simmons did a great job guarding Jerome Randle, Darren Collison, and Derek Glaser last week. Simmos is a guy that really gets in your face and can create turnovers. Look for him to do just that against Tyrese Rice today. Simmons is healthy for the first time this year and he is showing why he was such a highly touted recruit.

If the Trojans come out with a lot of energy, reminicent of their spark they showed last week, Boston College will be in for a rude awakening. The Trojans played with an extraordinary amount of passion, led by their feisty point guard Daniel Hackett. Hackett just wouldn't let the Trojans lose last weekend and he always plays with 110% effort. The Trojans need to come out from the get go with the same will to win they showed last weekend.

Two players who I expect to have huge games are DeMar DeRozan and Taj Gibson. DeRozan is playing the best basketball of his life right now. He put the Trojans on his back in the Pac-10 Tournament and he is primed to do just the same in this NCAA Tournament. The aspect of his game that has improved so much throughout the year is his jumpshot. When he is hitting from outside, DeRozan is virtually unstoppable. He can get to the basket at will and his aggressive instinct has gotten better and better each game. Taj Gibson is also a guy who can have a big day for USC. The Eagles don't really have anyone to stop the Trojan big man. If Boston College leaves Gibson in one-on-one matchups, look for the Trojans to post up Taj early and often. Daniel Hackett could also be big for USC today because he has about a five inch hight advantage on Tyrese Rice.

The Trojans are very determined to win this game. Coach Tim Floyd has repeatedly said how dissappointed he was in USC's one-and-done tournament appearance last year. It was an embarassing loss to Kansas State and Floyd doesn't intend to let it happen again. It's up to the players to deliver a victory. The journey begins today. Let's play! Fight On!

We're Leaving Today!

This afternoon, the USC Band along with the Pac-10 Champion USC Trojans Basketball team leaves for Minneapolis and the NCAA Tournament! I'm very excited to go home and spend the weekend at the Big Dance at the Metrodome. Updates to come when we arrive and throughout the weekend. The possibility of playing Michigan State in the second round is very cool. I've spent the week looking at picks from various analysts and I came upon my favorite this morning. Greg Anthony has USC going to the Elite 8 and playing Louisville. I wouldn't mind that at all. It all starts, however, with Boston College on Friday. Exciting stuff. More to come from Minneapolis when we get there. Fight On!

Initial Thoughts On Boston College

Here is some of what I have been hearing about Boston College so far this week:

-Tyrese Rice is clearly their best player. He averages about 17 points and 5 assists per game and the senior is a terrific floor general. He is the type of guard USC has had problems with this year (small and quick), but the emergence of Marcus Simmons on the defensive end should really help the Trojans contain him. Still, he is definitely a guy that could go off and he is a very good outside shooter.

-Boston College and USC are teams with contrasting styles. The Eagles play a match up zone (similar to Arizona State and Arizona), and they run a flex offense using a lot of screens and cuts. The Trojans have seen the match up zone before, but they haven't faced the flex offense yet. The Trojans usually play man-to-man defense, but you might see coach Tim Floyd try a box-and-1 at times during this game to try to give Rice trouble. Boston College is a very methodical team, so look for the Trojans to try to speed up the tempo and get easy buckets in transition.

-The Eagles aren't a very big team inside. Therefore, the Trojans should try to post up Taj Gibson early and often. USC's offense is at its best when it is run through Taj because he can exploit one on one matchups, and if he's doubled he can dish the ball out to open shooters. In addition, look for the Trojans to try to post up guard Daniel Hackett on the smaller Rice, just like they did against Jerome Randle a few times this season.

-Boston College isn't a great defensive team. They give up over 70 points per game (USC gives up just over 63 ppg). I'm not sure the Eagles will have an answer for stud freshman DeMar DeRozan, who is playing the best basketball of his life right now. DeRozan carried the Trojans in the Pac-10 Tournament; look for him to do the same in the NCAA.

-Boston College is capable of beating elite level teams, but they are extremely inconsistent. The Eagles beat North Carolina on the road this year and Duke at home. However, they followed up the Carolina victory with a loss to lowly Harvard at home. Which Boston College team shows up Friday in Minneapolis will go a long way to determining if they advance.

-BC isn't playing very well right now. They have lost 5 out of their last 9 games, including a one point loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament. In contrast, USC is extremely hot right now, winning 5 in a row including three in three days to capture the Pac-10 Tournament Championship. That could bode well for the Trojans come Friday.

More to come later in the week and leading up to game time Friday. Definitely feeling a Trojan victory. They are playing extremely well right now and don't want to repeat last year's first round exit.

Quick preview of my bracket:

Final Four teams: Louisville, Memphis, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina

Surprise Elite 8 teams: West Virginia, Washington, Arizona State

Surprise Sweet 16 teams: USC, Florida State

The best three weeks in college sports begins on Thursday. Enjoy the madness!

The Trojans Are Going Dancing!

The USC Trojans are the Pac-10 Tournament Champions! Even though they won the title two days ago, it still seems odd to fathom. What a ride it was for USC, winning three games in three days against three very good teams. The way in which they did it was probably the most surprising. The Trojans never trailed in their first two victories, jumping up on Cal early and hanging on, and dominating their rival UCLA. The championship game against ASU was one that will live on in Trojan Basketball lore. Down 15 at the half, the task of coming back looked nearly impossible for the Trojans. Even I, a very optimistic person, thought a comeback was very unlikely. The Trojans were giving the Sun Devils wide open looks on the perimeter and easy dunks inside. On offense, they couldn't figure out the tough zone of ASU. They looked like they had no energy left. Nonetheless, they were somehow able to come out in the second half like a completely different team. It looked like they had all been injected with an IV in the locker room when you saw the energy they were playing with. It was a complete transformation. They used a press defense that they had never worked on and it created four ASU turnovers in the first three minutes of the second half. Down four with a minute left, Dwight Lewis hit the biggest shot of his life, a three from the right corner. Daniel Hackett made two clutch free throws, something he really struggled with during the regular season. Taj Gibson switched onto James Harden and came away with the biggest block of his career. And DeMar DeRozan carried the Trojans throughout the entire tournament, earning the Most Outstanding Player award. DeRozan had a career high 25 points in the championship game. What an incredible tournament run for the USC Trojans. As a reward for their outstanding effort, they get to go to the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans are a 10 seed and will face Boston College in the first round of the Midwest Regional in Minneapolis on Friday. I am very excited because I get to travel to the game with the USC Band. Hopefully, this magical run will continue. The way the Trojans are playing now, I wouldn't doubt it. Much more analysis to come throughout the week on the Trojans match up as well as the rest of the NCAA field. Fight On!

Pac-10 Tournament Championship: USC-ASU

One more! What an unbelievable victory for the Trojans last night over UCLA. I thought the Trojans would win, but I didn't think it would come in such dominating fashion. The Trojans never trailed in the game and were the better team throughout. Some might think this puts the Trojans in position for an at-large bid even with a loss today, but that's not the mind set the Trojans should have. They have to come out with the same fire, passion, and energy that we've seen in the first two games of this tournament. And trust me, they will.

It will be a dog fight this afternoon as the Trojans face ASU for the third time this season. The teams split their regular season meetings, each team winning at home. The Sun Devils don't have much to play for today. The Trojans have everything on the line. In the last meeting in Tempe, the Tim Floyd picked up two technical fouls in the final minute and the Trojans lost a heart breaker. The Trojans will definitely remember that game when they walk on the court today, and hopefully will play with a chip on their shoulder. Here are the keys to victory.

1. Contain James Harden. USC has played the best defense against the star guard of anyone that has played the Sun Devils. In the first meeting, Daniel Hackett was in Harden's face all night, not even allowing him to catch the ball. Harden was held without a field goal and tallied a career low four points. Even in the second meeting, Harden only put up six field goals and made five, tallying 13 points. Daniel Hackett's ball denial defense is absolutely crucial to the outcome of this game. Also, the Trojans can't foul Harden when he gets in the lane. He shoots more free throws than anyone in the Pac-10. He's the best player in the conference for a reason, but if you make him a jump shooter, he's nothing special. ASU is largely a one-man team, so containing Harden is far and away the priority item for the Trojans.

2. Be patient against the zone defense of ASU. The Sun Devils use a very complicated match up zone that can really throw opponents off. USC has seen it twice now, so they should know what to expect. The key is to not rush to find a good shot. Swing it around the perimeter, drive when you find a seam, but don't rush. It is essential that the Trojans jump shooters have a good day today because it is very tough to go inside against the zone.

3. Limit turnovers. This is one thing the Trojans did not do well yesterday. They turned the ball over 28 times and it nearly cost them the game in the closing minutes. Daniel Hackett had 10 turnovers himself. USC must be patient and not try to do too much. Luckily for them, ASU's defense isn't quite as good as UCLA's. Even so, the Trojans must take care of the basketball and not give the Sun Devils too many free opportunities.

4. Get some kind of bench production. This could be the X-factor in the game for both teams. Both ASU and USC got 3 points from their bench yesterday. If either team has a big advantage in bench points today, it very well may be the difference. Leonard Washington and Nikola Vucevic must be productive when they come into the game and give the Trojans some energy and spark.

5. Get off to a good start. The Trojans have done an excellent job of this so far in the tournament. In fact, they have done so well that they haven't trailed for a single minute yet in two games. This was a problem for them during the regular season, but we've seen how important it is here. In the championship game, you want to establish momentum early and send a message to ASU. A good start is a must today.

6. DeMar DeRozan must continue to be the MVP of this tournament. Arizona State has no answer for the stud freshman. He put up 22 on the Sun Devils at Galen Center and put up 16 more in Tempe. He carried the Trojans down the stretch last night and it seems like he plays better in big games. In addition to his scoring, his rebounding has been phenomenal. He gets higher than anyone else on the floor. The Trojans need one more big performance from DeRozan to carry them into the NCAA Tournament.

This is the season for the Trojans. Although the regular season didn't live up to expectations, it can all be made up for with a win this afternoon. The Trojans are playing like they're on a mission right now and it's the best I've ever seen them play in two years. One more for the Pac-10 title. One more to keep the dream alive and shock the nation. Let's play! Fight On!

Pac-10 Tournament Semi-Finals: USC-UCLA

It's the battle for L.A. tonight at Staples Center as USC faces the Bruins in another must-win situation. The Trojans lost both to the Bruins in the regular season, but winning this one would go a long way to making up for that. With a win tonight, the Trojans should definitely be considered as an at-large selection to the NCAA Tournament. However, the only sure way to make the field of 65 is to win the Pac-10 Tournament. Regardless of what you think of USC's at-large chances, everyone agrees they have to win tonight. Here are the keys to victory for the Trojans:

1. Taj Gibson needs to have a huge game. Gibson had two of his worst games of the season against the Bruins. In the first meeting at Galen, he got in early foul trouble and was only able to play 23 minutes (13 points and 5 boards). Over at Pauley, Gibson tallied only 2 points and 4 rebounds. Those performances won't cut it tonight. Taj had 21 and 16 to lead the Trojans yesterday and he needs to put up similar numbers for the Trojans to win today. The one big advantage USC has over UCLA is their offensive presence inside. The Trojans must find some way to get him the ball in the post. In the game at Pauley, UCLA did a great job of denying the pass into the post to Gibson. If the Trojans can hit their outside shots early, the Bruins won't be able to take one of their guards from the perimeter to front the Trojans big man. In a one-on-one match up between Gibson and Alfred Aboya, the Bruins center has no chance.

2. The Trojans must contain Nikola Dragovic. He was definitely the X-factor in the first meeting, hitting three huge threes. In the second game, all of his 12 points came off his four threes. Most of his shots haven't been contested, but have been wide open looks. The Trojans absolutely can't afford for Dragovic to go off in this one. Look for Keith Wilkinson to see some time guarding him because he can play on the perimeter like Dragovic likes to. Without Dragovic providing some scoring, the Bruins just don't have enough weapons on offense. It is imperative that USC finds some way to contain him and doesn't leave him wide open because of penetration by Darren Collison or Jrue Holliday.

3. USC's defense on the back court tandem of Collison and Holliday has to be terrific. Look for Marcus Simmons to start again today and guard one of the two quick guards. Daniel Hackett will guard the other. Both Hackett and Simmons played outstanding defense yesterday on Cal's guards. UCLA will use a lot of pick-and-roll on the offensive end, so it will be key for USC to fight through screens so they don't get caught up in mismatches.

4. USC must limit turnovers. UCLA will pressure the Trojans all night in the back court. USC must take care of the ball and make smart passes. USC had 23 turnovers at Pauley last month, which is a completely unacceptable number. Since that last game, Daniel Hackett has gotten markedly better at limiting his turnovers, so look for him to lead the Trojans with a steady hand from the point guard position.

5. Dwight Lewis has to shoot close to 50% from the field. Although Lewis made the most important shot of the game yesterday for the Trojans, he still shot 4-18 from the field. Lewis usually shoots more than anyone else for USC, so it is essential that he is on his game. If his outside shot isn't falling early, Lewis needs to take some shots from a little closer in to get in a rhythm. When Dwight plays well, the Trojans normally win. Hopefully, he can continue hitting big shots as he did yesterday, and fully live up to his nickname "Big Time" Dwight Lewis.

6. USC can't get into foul trouble. UCLA has a lot more depth than the Trojans, so having anyone out for a substantial amount of time will really hurt USC. This is most important for Taj Gibson. As I mentioned earlier, Gibson against Aboya is USC's only real match up advantage. He can't commit any stupid fouls, especially early in the game. Look for UCLA's quick guards to take it right at the Trojans big man. It will be up to Taj to stay disciplined and play like the Defensive Player of the Year that he is.

USC has a lot on the line tonight and they are finally fully healthy for the first time since early in the non-conference schedule. In the first meeting against the Bruins, USC didn't have Leonard Washington. In the second meeting, Marcus Johnson missed his first game with a shoulder surgery. Marcus Simmons wasn't healthy for either game. Now, all three are healthy and ready to go. It's time for the Trojans to step up and win a big game. A win tonight will put them on the cusp on an NCAA birth tomorrow. Get it done. Let's play! Fight On!

Pac-10 Tournament Quarterfinals: USC-Cal

Is tonight the start of something big for the Trojans at Staples Center? Hope springs eternal for a USC team that has under achieved this year. They know that they can erase the disappointment of this year by simply winning three games and capturing the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This tournament is wide open because there is no dominant team in the conference. So, the question is, can the Trojans win it? I've always believed in this team and I think they can. It starts tonight with Cal.

The Trojans split with the Golden Bears, winning at Galen Center and losing up at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. The key to the victory here was containing Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher. They combined for only 16 points and shot 2-11 from distance. If the Trojans can hold the prolific combo to anywhere near those numbers, they will win easily. In the game at Haas, Christopher went off for a career high 29 points and Randle had 15 himself. The combo also made 5-10 three pointers. Containing them is the biggest key to the game for USC.

Look for Tim Floyd to start Marcus Simmons in this game. He played outstanding defense in the second half at Berkeley on Jerome Randle, really frustrating him and limiting his production. His defense on Randle today will have to be outstanding again for the Trojans to win. Starting Simmons allows Daniel Hackett to guard Patrick Christopher. That way, you have your best two perimeter defenders guarding their two best players. The Trojans have no need to start a big lineup in this game because Cal's big men (Wilkes and Boykin) like to sit out on the perimeter and are not a threat to dominate inside. USC needs the smaller lineup to keep up with Cal's frantic pace. The Trojans must try to slow this game down and make it a half-court game, because Cal is not good at all in the half-court offense.

USC must feed Taj Gibson early and often in this one. The Bears are an ideal match up for the Trojans big man. He put up 12 and 13 at Galen Center and was even more impressive in Berkeley, putting up 22 and 12. Look for immediate double teams on Taj, which means the Trojans outside shooters, especially Dwight Lewis and Daniel Hackett, have to be ready. Gibson should dominate the Bears for a third time.

It is key for the Trojans other three key starters to play well as well. DeMar DeRozan led the Trojans with 19 in the first meeting, but disappeared in the second half at Berkeley. Dwight Lewis has been in a shooting slump and only shot 3-9 in the last meeting. Daniel Hackett carried the Trojans in Berkeley with 26 points. Hackett is playing at an extremely high level right now. He is getting to the rim, shooting well from outside, getting his teammates involved, and not turning the ball over. Plus, he is playing outstanding defense and always has the most energy of anyone out on the court. Look for Hackett to have another outstanding game again tonight.

Bench play will be key for USC tonight as well. In the first meeting at Galen, Marcus Johnson gave the Trojans 23 solid minutes with 6 points and one monster dunk over Jorge Gutierrez that really got the crowd going. In Berkeley, it was Marcus Simmons who provided 22 big minutes off the bench. If Simmons starts tonight, the Trojans will have Marcus Johnson, Leonard Washington, Keith Wilkinson, and Nikola Vucevic to turn to off the bench. USC is finally healthy, so hopefully in this tournament we will see more of the depth we though we'd see from this team when the season began.

USC was competitive in both games with Cal this year. The difference from the first to the second game? Randall and Christopher went off and the Trojans couldn't hit a free throw to save their lives. The Trojans went 16-28 from the line and the Bears shot 24-27. There's the difference in the game. If the Trojans do the fundamentals right, they should win this game: Solid defense, good free throw shooting, and few turnovers. USC is a more talented team than Cal, but they have to execute.

I expect the Trojans to come out with a ton of energy tonight. They know that this tournament can make or break their season. They also know that they can beat anybody in this conference. Win three games and the disappointment of this season is most likely forgotten. Three more wins and you earn a trip to the greatest tournament in sports. It starts tonight against Cal. Let's play! Fight On!

The Season Is NOT Over

For those that say that the USC Trojans dreams at reaching the NCAA Tournament for a third consecutive season are over, think again. There's a reason the Pac-10 Tournament is played next week at Staples Center. As I recall, the winner of that tournament gets an automatic bid to the Big Dance. The path is clear for the Trojans: They must win that tournament next week in order to make the NCAA. My goal in pointing out this all too obvious information is this: The two games the Trojans play this week at Galen Center against the Oregon schools are not meaningless, as some people might have you thinking. On the contrary, they are pivotal because they will make the difference as to what seed the Trojans will have next week. If the Trojans remain in the bottom four teams, they have to start the tournament next Wednesday night and win four straight to capture the crown. Win both games this week at Galen and the Trojans will assure themselves of a first round bye. With the bye, USC would only need three victories to ensure themselves of the automatic bid. There are two key players in my opinion that may make the difference in their chances of making an NCAA run: Marcus Johnson and Marcus Simmons. Simmons emerged last week in the Bay Area as a player, when healthy, that can defend the opponent's best player and provide a spark offensively as well. We already knew the defensive ability of Simmons, but his offense took a big step forward last week as well. The Trojans need him to be as close to 100% on his ankle that has constantly bothered him throughout the past two years. Marcus Johnson's absense, in my opinion, has been the single biggest reason for the Trojans recent troubles. He had average 8 ppg in his last four games before the injury. Who has replaced that production? The answer is absolutely nobody. Not only has the scoring been absent, but the energy and spark that Johnson provides has been missing as well. Doctors have cleared Mr. Johnson to play this week. We'll see how much time he gets, but the key is this: Play him as much as you can, but having him at full strength next week is much more important than this week. The Trojans can win both these games without Marcus Johnson, but winning three straight next week without him would be next to impossible. Just make sure he doesn't do too much this week to hurt his chances for next week. Must win against Oregon tonight unless the Trojans really want to play on Wednesday next week instead of Thursday. Let's go.