USC basketball: Trojans top Arizona, 56-50, in Pac-10 opener

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USC proved a few things today in its Pac-10 opening win against Arizona, 56-50.

First, that Mike Gerrity doesn’t have to play like Superman for the Trojans to win because there are experienced seniors on this squad that can help out.

Second, that no matter how big the Trojans’ lead, they can be blow it just as easily.

And third, that the Trojans’ grinding style of defense, while not fun to watch, is most effective.

Gerrity, who averaged 15.7 points, three rebounds and 2.3 assists in the the Diamond Head Classic and was named MVP of the tournament, never seemed comfortable against the Wildcats, and it showed on consecutive possessions in the second half. On the first, he fumbled the ball away to Arizona, which scored on a fast-break layup. On the next, Gerrity air-balled a three-pointer.

He finished with four points and had just two assists. USC was led by seniors Marcus Johnson and Dwight Lewis, who each had 14 points.

USC built a 27-10 lead, but Arizona went on a 22-10 run that spanned the end of the first half and the beginning of the second to cut USC’s lead to 37-32 with 12:29 left. And when USC led by 10, 51-41, with 4:08 left, Arizona again charged back, this time with a 7-2 run, to keep it close.

But USC (9-4) was able to make its free throws down the stretch to hang on, winning its seventh straight game.

Arizona (6-7) shot 15 of 50 from the field (30%) and had 15 turnovers. It was the Wildcats’ second-lowest scoring game of the season.

The Trojans host Arizona State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Sun Devils (10-4) were upset earlier today, 72-70, by UCLA.

-- Baxter Holmes