Taj Gibson sat on the bench with an empty stare with 5:28 left on the clock. The Pac-10 defensive player of the year had just fouled out, after staying out the majority of the second half due to foul trouble. Gibson managed 5 blocked shots but only 3 points, 0 offensive rebounds and 0 defensive rebounds. Michigan State had Gibson’s number. Still the USC Trojans had the lead with 3:53 left in the game, with freshman Nikola Vucevic pulling his best to fill Gibson’s void.

In the end despite the Trojans size and spirit they just couldn’t hang on as they were out rebounded 24-33 and out shot from downtown. The big shots just weren’t falling as USC was only 1-10 from behind the arc, while Michigan State was 6-13. Dwight Lewis led the team with 19, DeRozan was right behind him with 18, Hackett had 13 and Washington had 10.

No more ‘SC Basketball. It’s okay to be depressed. It’s only natural. Hey, it’s not all bad…maybe they’re taking short-term cryogenic test patients. Bring a 30-pack in with you to chill. Put a post-it note on the door: “Please unfreeze 09/05/09. Kickoff. Have red cup, beer bong. Likely thirsty.”