Gambling Is Not Paying Off

The Trojans have started 5-0 this season with the notion that aggressive defense makes for easy baskets at the other end of the court. But in recent games against St. Bonaventure and Santa Barbara, their aggressive play occasionally backfired.

“We have to go back and work a little more on defense, containing people, not letting people get by us,” Coach Henry Bibby said. “I think we do a lot of gambling on defense without knowing where our man is at times and it creates situations where the other team will pick up opportunities. We can’t let teams get open baskets and get layups.”

Look for the Trojans to refine their approach, perhaps mindful of what they did against Nevada Las Vegas when the defense packed the inside and dared the Runnin’ Rebels to shoot from the perimeter.

“We have to get back and play a little more cushion defense and make people shoot over the top of us with our hand in their face,” Bibby said. “Then I think we have a better chance of winning more basketball games because teams are not really going to beat you outside.”

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The first half of the game against Santa Barbara on Friday ended with officials calling a foul on USC center Brian Scalabrine with no time left on the clock. As Gaucho forward B.J. Bunton stepped to the foul line, the Trojans filed off the court on their way to the locker room.

“There was no need to stand and watch a few free throws,” Bibby said. “Maybe it puts a little more pressure on [Bunton] if we walk off. Maybe it makes him think about us a little bit.”