They Should Feel Free to Hit a Few

The common thread in USC’s recent losing skid has been its woeful free-throw shooting. The Trojans have shot 58.2% from the line while losing five of their last six games.

Most frustrating for the Trojans: When the number of missed free throws has been higher than the margin of defeat.

After all, as Coach Henry Bibby often points out, they’re supposed to be free.

In the Trojans’ one-point loss at California on Jan. 22, they missed 11 free throws. An 11-point loss to Washington last Thursday was accentuated by USC’s missing 12 free throws.

And in their latest setback, Saturday’s nine-point loss to Washington State, the Trojans missed 12 more.

“You make your free throws, you win the game,” Bibby said. “It’s a matter of focus and getting in rhythm.”

Apparently, though, there’s not enough time in the day for USC to incorporate free-throw shooting into formal practices.

“The kids have to get in extra work either at the end of practice or on Sundays,” Bibby said.

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Bibby said he felt comfortable starting any one of the 10 players in his game rotation.

“But I’m not sure if that’s a good thing,” Bibby said.

Of the regulars, only junior power forward Gregg Guenther, who joined the team after the Rose Bowl, has not registered a start.

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Freshman point guard Rodrick Stewart, who was lauded by Bibby for his defense against Washington State, practiced lightly Monday with a sore left knee. He had precautionary X-rays taken, which came back negative, after sustaining the injury on Saturday. He should be ready to play Thursday at No. 16 Arizona. Senior guard Desmon Farmer is still feeling the effects of a sore left (shooting) hand.