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Stanford, USC to close out Pac-10 schedule

Mar 8, 2008 - 11:49 AM No. 7 Stanford (24-5) at USC (19-10) 2:00 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- After Thursday's heartbreaking loss to UCLA, No. 7 Stanford looks for a split of games against the city's Pacific-10 Conference schools when it meets Southern California.

The Cardinal nearly came away with a win at Pauley Pavilion but were taken into overtime by the Bruins after Lawrence Hill was whistled for a questionable foul with three seconds left in regulation.

UCLA dominated the extra session, dashing any remaining hopes Stanford had of claiming the regular-season Pac-10 Conference title.

Brook Lopez had 18 points and 13 rebounds and twin brother Robin scored 14 for the Cardinal (24-5, 13-4 Pac-10), who - along with the Bruins - have clinched the two first-round byes for next week's conference tournament.

While Stanford has little to play for, it certainly wants to establish some momentum as the regular season draws to a close against USC, which won its own overtime battle Thursday by posting a 93-89 victory over California.

Freshman guard O.J. Mayo had 22 points and a career high-tying nine rebounds for the Trojans (19-10, 10-7 Pac-10), who won for the fourth time in five games.

USC also will be looking to avenge a 52-46 loss to Stanford on January 5. While the Trojans held the Cardinal to 27 percent (17-for-63) shooting, USC was unable to overcome its 23 turnovers.