University Southern California Trojans
USC
Arizona State *
Sun Devils Take Out Trojans
February 13, 2003 | Men's Basketball
By MEL REISNER
AP Sports Writer
TEMPE, Ariz. - Curtis Millage had 15 of his 27 points in the second half, blunting Southern California's attempt to rally in a 108-78 win by the Sun Devils on Thursday night.
Millage matched his career high, and freshman Ike Diogu came within one point of his season high with 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting from the floor.
Shawn Redhage, who had 29 points and eight rebounds last week against Washington in the biggest game ever by an Arizona State non-starter, scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds, helping the Sun Devils outrebound USC 42-28.
Tommy Smith had 15 points and Jamal Hill 12 as the Sun Devils (16-7, 8-4 Pac-10) scored the most points in a non-overtime game in five seasons under coach Rob Evans.
USC's Desmon Farmer had 29 points, but Nick Curtis, with 11, was his only teammate in double figures.
The Trojans (10-10, 5-6) had won three straight, but fell to 4-6 in the last 10 games.
They needed a 16-10 run in the last 3:49 just to get within 58-30 at halftime.
USC began the second half with a 13-6 surge capped by Farmer's putback 3:05 in, but by then Derrick Craven, Errick Craven, Rory O'Neil and Roydell Smiley all had four fouls.
The tension grew when Farmer was whistled for charging Diogu, only to have referee Verne Harris reverse the call.
A fan threw ice onto the court, drawing a technical foul. But Farmer made only one of the free throws, getting the Trojans within 66-44 with 16:27 to play, Farmer was called for charging four seconds later and the situation was defused when Millage started a 7-0 spurt with a 3-pointer with 16:07 to go.
Arizona State outscored USC 15-4 in the first 4:58, finishing with a jumper by Smith and three fast-break baskets after USC turnovers.
The Trojans continued to misfire, committing 10 turnovers in the first 10 minutes, and Hill had a follow shot, 3-pointer and a free throw to send the Sun Devils to a 33-9 lead with 7:50 left.
In a 1:44 span late in the half, Digou had two consecutive three-point plays and a layup after a spin move - the last one opening a 48-14 lead with 3:49 remaining.
