Nikola Vucevic had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Southern Cal used a stifling defense to defeat visiting Arizona State 62-46 on Saturday for its fourth straight victory.

Alex Stepheson added 15 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double in four games for the Trojans (17-12, 9-7 Pac-10), who led by as many as 26 points.

Southern Cal jumped on Arizona State early with a 23-7 run over the final eight minutes of the first half to take a 38-18 halftime lead. The Trojans, who boast the Pac-10’s top scoring defense, held the Sun Devils to 30.6 percent shooting.

Southern Cal kept up the pressure and held Arizona State scoreless for more than four minutes to start the second half.

Trent Lockett scored 14 points for the Sun Devils (10-18, 2-14 Pac-10), who have lost 11 of their last 12 games.