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!