Few teams have traveled as much this season as Rider, which opened the season at UMass, played one home game and flew cross-country to play USC before heading back north this weekend to Springfield.

But given the Broncs' 77-57 rout of the favored Trojans last Wednesday, the travel has helped build chemistry.

Unlike last year, when Rider got its doors blown off by Virginia and Kentucky before heading on a long trip to Cancun, the Broncs have had reason to be in a good mood.

Even after blowing a 21-point lead in last Friday's opener at UMass, Rider remained confident, knowing it had a chance to quickly move on with its home opener looming.

The trip back from Los Angeles could have been dreadful, but having blown out a Pac 10 team on its home floor, the Broncs were eager to get up and hit the road at 6 a.m. for the return cross-country flight.

"Everyone was smiling, having a good time," coach Tommy Dempsey said. "We got up to get on the plane. We checked out of our hotel at 6 a.m. and you would have thought it was noon. I don't care if you're at home or you're 20,000 miles away, nothing builds chemistry like winning. We went out there, played 10 guys and we won. Losing tests your mettle and tests your character, but when you win it seems to be a lot easier to keep good chemistry."