UCLA HITS MARK FROM LONG RANGE.

Byline: Jon Wilner Daily News Staff Writer

In a season so illogical it almost makes sense - losing at Oregon State and winning at Oregon? please - the UCLA Bruins submitted another bit of hypocrisy Wednesday night.

What better venue to cure shooting woes than. . . . the Sports Arena?

After shooting 20 percent from 3-point range in six Pac-10 games, the Bruins pelted USC with unprecedented marksmanship - shooting 70.4 percent from the field in the second half and making 10 of 16 shots from 3-point range.

Combine the sweet shooting with typically tenacious defense, and the result was one of UCLA's most impressive games of the season, a 98-80 victory over the Trojans before 10,986. It was UCLA's ninth consecutive win in the city series and its largest victory margin in the Sports Arena since 1974 - the Walton Gang's final season.

UCLA set season-highs in 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage (62.5). Even freshman forward JaRon Rush, who has struggled from the perimeter all season, had Sports Arena fever, making 3 of 5 3-pointers.

``Tonight was a breakthrough for him from the perimeter,'' UCLA coach Steve Lavin said. ``You could see the weight literally come off his shoulders.''

Once the Bruins drained their jumpers, USC extended its defense to the perimeter. That opened the middle for the Bruins' big men, Dan Gadzuric and Jerome Moiso, who played their best game as a tandem, combining for 33 points on 15-of-22 shooting.

``They both played well,'' guard Baron Davis said. ``Offensively, everyone stepped up.''

Of course, the Sports Arena itself had little to do with UCLA's offensive outburst. Rather, the success resulted from a confluence of factors, including tempo. Instead of slowing the pace, USC was content to play at UCLA's speed - warp - which allowed the Bruins to find their rhythm.

Unlike Stanford, for instance, the Trojans did not pressure passing lanes or deny dribble penetration. The Bruins were allowed to pass and cut as they pleased - much like they have done against Arizona State for years.

``We wanted to run as much as possible and make them guard us in transition,'' said UCLA reserve Ray Young, who scored 12 points in 14 minutes.

More than anything, the Bruins' performance reflected Tuesday's practice. They spent an hour on zone offense, with Lavin emphasizing the basics - movement and spacing - and tweaking the attack to suit UCLA's personnel. The Bruins let Davis, their most creative player, roam the baseline to exploit seams, and they ordered Moiso to make backside cuts to the foul line, where his 15-foot jumper is almost automatic.

When the Trojans opened in a box-and-one - four players in a zone and the fifth, Elias Ayuso, playing Davis man-to-man - the Bruins carved it for nine points in five possessions.

``We stuck to what we do,'' Davis said. ``We have to have faith in the offense. We could see in practice how it would open up, and we just did the same thing in the game.''

Notes: Gadzuric sprained his right ankle and is questionable for Saturday's game at Louisville. However, trainer Jeff Smith said it was a low sprain, which usually heals faster than sprains high on the ankle. Gadzuric left the Sports Arena hobbling but without crutches.

Guard Earl Watson survived the game without aggravating the deep cut on his right (shooting) hand. He is fit to play Saturday, but there's a slight chance he'll be held out to speed the healing process before conference play resumes at Washington State next Thursday.

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PHOTO UCLA's JaRon Rush makes a reverse slam off an alley-opp pass during the Bruins' victory over USC Wednesday night.

Gus Ruelas/Daily News