Split Not Enough to Retain Top 25 Ranking

A split in Oregon was not enough to keep USC in the Associated Press top-25 rankings this week.

Last week the Trojans were 23rd but were replaced in the same slot Monday by the Ducks, who beat them and UCLA last week.

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California Coach Ben Braun said that USC was playing better this season because the Trojans had found a level of consistency that eluded them last year.

“Nobody ever thought they didn’t have good players,” Braun said. “But they just didn’t seem to put it together. Those guys are a year older and a year smarter. They were a bit up and down during the nonconference [games], but once they hit the league season, a couple of wins gave them some confidence.”

For the Bears to pull an upset Thursday, Braun said, Cal would have to get shots inside the lane and wear a path to the foul line.

“We’re not going out there and having a shooting contest,” he said. “I think that’s what they’re hoping you’ll do. I think you have got to be patient.”