Pruitt Eager for Another Shot

ANCHORAGE —  Gabe Pruitt hopes the temperature is the only thing here that dips into the teens.

After shooting 15% (three for 20) and going 0 for 10 in three-point attempts Sunday during USC’s 81-76 overtime loss to Cal State Northridge, the sophomore guard said he was eager to redeem himself. He’ll get the chance tonight against Oral Roberts in the opening round of the Great Alaska Shootout.

“This is a new game,” Pruitt said Tuesday afternoon. “I’m ready to come back and come back strong.”

The Trojans will need improved accuracy from more than Pruitt to avoid their first 0-2 start since the 1994-95 season. Freshmen Ryan Francis (four for 14) and Sead Odzic (two for seven) each shot 28.6% against Northridge.

“We shot the ball probably too quick -- one pass and shot too much, and that led to easy run-outs on the other end,” Coach Tim Floyd said.

*

Center Abdoulaye N’diaye, who played only 10 minutes in the opener because of foul trouble, said coaches reviewed the game tape with him trying to alleviate what has become a recurring problem. The 6-foot-11 junior had four fouls in the opener and in each of the Trojans’ two exhibitions.

The upside to his absence was freshman forward RouSean Cromwell’s 17 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. His rebounds were the most by a USC freshman since Sam Clancy had 14 on Feb. 6, 1999.

*

TONIGHT

vs. Oral Roberts, 8:30 PST, ESPN2

Site -- Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, Alaska.

Radio -- 1540.

Records -- USC 0-1, Oral Roberts 0-1.

Update -- Oral Roberts’ season-opening loss to Utah State was similar to USC’s loss in several ways. The Golden Eagles trailed by nine at halftime (USC trailed Northridge by 10) and forced overtime only to go cold in the extra period. Oral Roberts made four of 21 three-point attempts, the Trojans four of 27. Oral Roberts features three starters who are 6 feet 7 or taller, presenting matchup problems for a USC lineup that includes four guards.