WCC insiders say Steve Lavin's USD has made little progress from last season. Lavin's many portal adds have yet to coagulate, reflected in the current four-game losing streak which includes setbacks vs. UC Riverside and Long Beach State. Last Friday's 86-69 loss at a modest San Jose State further exposed the shortcomings, including just 32% FG shooting and getting outrebounded 45-30. Meanwhile, USC is likely a bit chuffed after suffering tis first loss of the season on Saturday at the Galen Center vs. the Washington Huskies. Maryland transfer Rodney Rice (20.3 ppg) has missed the last three games, but that shouldn't bother SC tonight, with several others capable of picking up the scoring slack (including ex-Auburn G Chad Baker-Mazara at 20.9 ppg). Play USC.