USC Hopes Three Home Games Will Improve .500 Road Mark

USC’s basketball team, coming off a four-game trip with a 2-2 record, gets to spend some time at home.

The Trojans will play San Jose State (1-1) tonight at 8 at the Sports Arena, followed by games with Niagara (3-0) Thursday and Western Washington (5-2) Saturday.

Although USC was routed by No. 8 Western Kentucky, 82-52, last Saturday night in the final of the Wendy’s tournament at Bowling Green, Ky., Coach George Raveling is pleased with the progress of his team.

“We feel good with our record, but we are not where we need to be,” Raveling said.

San Jose State, coming off a 72-63 win over Stanford, is a power-oriented team led by junior forward Reggie Owens. The 6-foot 7-inch Owens led the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. in rebounding last season and is currently averaging 12 points and 11.5 rebounds.

Raveling said that USC guard Dave Wiltz is still bothered by a leg injury and probably won’t play tonight.

Shooting, or lack of it, has been the Trojans’ biggest problem. After four games, they are shooting 38.6% from the field and have made only 6 of 30 three-point shots.