UCLA NOTEBOOK\USC a special challenge for Bruins.

Byline: Jon Wilner Daily News Staff Writer

UCLA's approach to its annual Sports Arena showdown with USC is properly paranoid. It does not matter who's coaching, who's playing, or what the circumstances may be, the Trojans will be ready.

"You can throw out the records and the stats. It's always tough over there," UCLA assistant Steve Lavin said, as the Bruins (18-6, 11-2) prepared for tonight's 7 p.m. tipoff.

(The game will be shown delayed on Prime Sports, beginning at 10:30.)

USC has won four of the past seven in the Sports Arena, with 28 points separating the teams. Only once, in 1993, has the margin of victory reached double figures (UCLA won 90-80).

Even in USC's worst seasons, the games have been highly competitive. In 1989, the Trojans were 2-16 in the Pacific-10 but lost 67-66. And last year, despite a 14-game losing streak and 2-16 mark, the Trojans made UCLA sweat 73-69. (The Bruins played without point guard Tyus Edney, who had the flu.)

Tonight's game figures to be tight, too, considering the way UCLA embarrassed USC in Pauley Pavilion last month (99-72) and the physical nature of that game. Kris Johnson and Jaha Wilson were ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.

"At the beginning of the game they were talking a lot of trash and being real physical," Toby Bailey said. "We'll remember that. We know we can't relax and take them lightly even though they're going through a lot off the court."

No "I" in team: Charles O'Bannon on sitting out the final 14 minutes of the Arizona State victory: "Coach sat me down, and I'm not going to make a big deal about it. Of course, I want to be in, but that lineup gave us a 20-point win."

Turn on the charm: Assistant Lorenzo Romar on freshman Jelani McCoy: "As he continues to grow into himself, I think he'll become one of the most popular players ever to play here. He has great ability, and he can really charm you. He's got a big smile, and he's really perceptive."

By the numbers: The Bruins have held 18 of their 24 opponents under 45 percent shooting. Meanwhile, UCLA has shot 50 percent or better in eight straight games.

The Bruins have made 53 of 64 free throws (82.8 percent) in their past three games.

Bailey has made three of his past 20 3-point attempts.

J.R. Henderson has 67 points on his past 42 field-goal attempts.

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