USC Trojans vs. Washington Huskies, January 23, 2010 7:30 PST 710 ESPN Radio
Despite their demolition of UCLA last Saturday, the Trojans head into Saturday's contest against the University of Washington puttering. Against Washington State on Thursday, USC blew a fifteen point lead and gave up 43 second points in a frustrating 67-60 loss to the Cougars. The defeat dropped the Trojans to 3-3 in conference play and made their quest to earn the school's first regular season conference title since 1985 all the more challenging. With no opportunity to earn a postseason birth and after Thursday's disaster, it is more than fair to question whether the Trojans will experience a let down against the Huskies:
SCOUTING THE HUSKIES -- Washington is coming off a 62-61 loss at UCLA on Jan. 21, as the Bruins Mustafa Abdul-Hamid hit a jumper at the buzzer. Washington, the preseason No. 2 pick in the conference, is second in the Pac-10 in scoring offense at 79.6 points per game. They are one of two Pac-10 teams without a road win this season (0-4). The Huskies are led by senior Quincy Pondexter who is averaging 20.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. USC and Washington split their series last season with both teams winning at home. The all-time series record is tied at 65-65.
I am a little concerned with this team's state of mind, especially considering the circumstances of their past game against Washington State and the postseason ban. Will they come out sluggishly or will they come out motivated? I have absolutely no idea. However, there is no doubt that we've reached the make or break point of the season.
Fight On! Beat the Huskies!