LOS ANGELES – USC hoped to use a significant size advantage against UCLA. Then the flu bug hit.
Dewayne Dedmon, the Trojans’ 7-foot starting forward, apparently had his intake limited to soup and crackers Tuesday because of severe flu symptoms. Dedmon did not practice and his status for tonight’s game against the Bruins at Pauley Pavilion is in question.
“He hasn’t even been out of bed, so I’m not certain what his status is going to be,” interim Coach Bob Cantu said. “We’re hoping to get him going.”
Dedmon, who is averaging 6.4 points and 7.0 rebounds this season, would likely be a big part of USC’s game plan against talented but ailing UCLA (16-5, 6-2). Travis Wear, a 6-foot-10 forward, is recovering from concussion symptoms, and Shabazz Muhammad didn’t practice Tuesday because of flu symptoms.
Even if both play – as expected – the Bruins aren’t likely to be at 100-percent health, and the Trojans (8-13, 3-5) no doubt would love to work the ball inside and wear down UCLA.
If Dedmon is unable to play, he would likely be replaced in the starting lineup by fellow 7-footer Omar Oraby, an occasional starter. Cantu said no other USC players are suffering from significant illness.
Regardless of who plays, USC needs better post production. In an overtime loss to Arizona State last Thursday, Dedmon, Oraby and James Blasczyk combined for 8 points and 9 rebounds in 44 minutes. Then, against Arizona two nights later, that trio didn’t score a point and had seven rebounds in 38 minutes.
“We’ve got to be able to establish an inside game, and play inside-out,” Cantu said. “If Dewayne can get healthy and get ready to go, we’ve got to play through him and Omar. I think what that will do is give our guards even better opportunities and better looks.”
RIVALRY TIME
It’s a rivalry game, but how much of one? USC has lost four consecutive games to UCLA, but beyond that, only five of the 12 players in USC’s regular rotation have previously played against the Bruins.
That dozen also includes six out-of-state natives, but Cantu said his players have a feel for the cross-town matchup, which will be the first at newly renovated Pauley Pavilion.
“It’s a rivalry game,” Cantu said. “It’s bragging rights. Some of our guys did grow up playing against guys who are over at UCLA, so I think it will be important to them. … It’s going to be packed. It’s going to be a great environment. I anticipate our guys being ready to go out and fight.”
ACE OUT OF HOLE
Ari Stewart is slowly inching out of the USC doghouse. Stewart, known as “Ace,” didn’t leave the bench in the final five games before Coach Kevin O’Neill got fired Jan. 14. Under Cantu, Stewart’s playing time and productivity have been on the rise.
Stewart, a 6-7 junior forward who transferred from Wake Forest, had six points and three rebounds in 11 minutes last week against Arizona State. Then, against Arizona, he played 15 minutes – his second-highest total of the season – and scored seven points.
“Ace has been great,” Cantu said. “He’s kind of been getting better and better with his minutes. We’re trying to get him to be a little bit more aggressive and attack off the dribble.”
Cantu said Stewart will, at times, draw the critical assignment of defending Muhammad if he plays.
Contact the writer: rhammond@ocregister.com
