University Southern California Trojans
Men's Hoops Downs Arkansas State, 64-48
June 21, 1999 | Men's Basketball
December 30, 1998
LOS ANGELES - Budding star Brian Scalabrine posted a double-double as USC beat Arkansas State 64-48 in front of 3,533 in the nostalgic L.A. Sports Arena.
Scalabrine, a 6-9 sophomore center, notched game highs in scoring with 18 and rebounding with 10. Another sophomore post player, 6-9 Greg Lakey, equaled his career-best offensive night with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
The Trojans conclude non-conference play with a fine 8 & 1 record, their best start since 1991. Last season USC did not win their 8th game until the final weekend of the season.
Coach Henry Bibby's defense forced the Indians into 18 turnovers and limited them to just 32-percent shooting from the field.
This is the third time this season that the Men of Troy have held an opponent under 50 points, and only one team (Kansas) has shot better than 40-percent.
SC opens a fiercely competitive Pac-10 season Saturday at home against Arizona State.
Quotes:
USC Head Coach Henry Bibby-
"I think we played the best defense we've played all year. The guys were really aware of what was going on out there on the floor.
"We wanted to get the basketball inside...and then the guys responded. Lakey did a good job inside. Scalabrine got us started.
"Being 8 & 1, we feel that we know what the taste of victory is like. I give the players a lot of credit for accepting what we're doing and bonding together."
USC Center Brian Scalabrine- "Greg (Lakey) and I have been doing a lot of extra workouts to get ready. We'll be ready for the Pac-10. We'll get contributions from all 12 guys. That's our strength"
ASU Coach Dickey Nutt- They're big and strong inside. We wanted to slow it down because they're averaging 80 points a game. They're well-rounded with a great inside guy who will be a professional player. He's as good as it gets."
