Even as the Trojans (10-4, 1-1) clawed back to take a 25-20 halftime lead, it was clear that the Beavers' 1-3-1 zone defense was causing problems. The Trojans were left on the perimeter and ended up with more turnovers (18) than free-throw attempts (10).
"They bothered us with that zone defense," point guard Daniel Hackett said. "We were unable to get into a rhythm at all. We weren't able to throw the ball inside at all."
They were able to throw it away. Hackett had six turnovers and guard Dwight Lewis had five.
"They disrupted our offense," said Lewis, who had six points after scoring 26 against Oregon.
It didn't seem to matter after Hackett made a three-pointer to give USC a 42-27 lead with 12:54 left. USC reduced speed and Haynes picked up his pace, penetrating repeatedly for layups or kick-outs. He finished seven for 12 from the field, with six layups.
"We started to turn the ball over, we gave them good shots, we didn't defend well," Hackett said. "In the Pac-10, you do that, you get punished."
Gibson's dunk gave the Trojans a 54-48 lead with two minutes left. USC turned the ball over on its next three possessions.
Leading, 54-51, with 14 seconds left, the Trojans were supposed to foul but didn't. Gibson was supposed to stick with Schaftenaar. He didn't, and went to double-team Haynes.
The Trojans had a 57-54 lead in overtime but failed to extend it on their next two possessions.
"You have to give Oregon State the credit," Floyd said. "Their shot selection was better than ours. Their defense was better than ours."
--
chris.foster@latimes.com
--
USC up next
VS. UCLA
Sunday, 7:30, Galen Center, Prime Ticket: Trojans post player Taj Gibson has averaged 10.2 points and 8.8 rebounds against UCLA. Last season, USC handed the Bruins one of their two conference losses, but the Trojans were led in that 72-63 victory at Pauley Pavilion by two freshmen (O.J. Mayo and Davon Jefferson) who have since departed. USC later lost to UCLA at home and in the Pac-10 tournament. Coach Tim Floyd is 2-5 against UCLA.
-- Chris Foster
