Matchup Brings Up a Big Issue

USC opens a season-long six-game homestand that includes four nonconference opponents who have compiled a cumulative 7-16 record.

Only one of the nonconference teams has won 20 games for three consecutive years -- and if you figured it was nationally ranked North Carolina, guess again.

The Western Michigan Broncos have established themselves as a perennial power in the Mid-American Conference, winning back-to-back West Division titles and advancing to the postseason for three consecutive seasons.

The Broncos (2-3) may be down a bit this year, but they still could present matchup problems for USC (5-2) tonight at the Sports Arena, because they feature four starters who are 6 feet 5 or taller.

The last time the Trojans faced a team with a decided height advantage, they were outrebounded by 20 during a blowout loss to Oral Roberts.

Leading the way for Western Michigan is sophomore center Joe Reitz, who is 6-7 and 250 pounds. Reitz averages 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds and is one of four Broncos to average double figures in scoring.

Sophomore forward Andrew Hershberger recorded his second double-double of the season Saturday by scoring 15 points and grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds during the Broncos’ 73-72 victory over Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

USC Coach Tim Floyd could counter Western Michigan’s height by abandoning his four-guard lineup and starting Jeremy Barr or Abdoulaye N’diaye alongside forward RouSean Cromwell. Swingman Nick Young will be counted on to use his 6-7 frame down low for defense and rebounding.

Barr, N’diaye and Cromwell fouled out Saturday during the Trojans’ 71-69 victory over Loyola Marymount, combining for more fouls (15) than points (13). The post players also combined for a measly seven rebounds in 43 minutes, numbers that must improve for USC to defeat the Broncos and extend its five-game winning streak.

“Our problem has been our lack of inside production offensively,” Floyd said. “We really haven’t had any to speak of, and as a result the game becomes very difficult to play when you can’t play through the post offensively.”

TONIGHT

vs. Western Michigan, 7:30

Site -- Sports Arena.

Radio -- 1540.

Records -- USC 5-2; Western Michigan 2-3.

Update -- Tonight marks the beginning of a six-game trip for Western Michigan, which is 0-2 on the road and has only one victory over a Division I team. The teams have split their two previous meetings, each winning on its home court. USC beat the Broncos, 81-74, last year at the Sports Arena despite a career-high 21 points from Western Michigan forward Stane’s Bufford. Western Michigan guard Silver Laku has been sidelined all season by a shoulder injury.

Tickets -- (213) 740-4672.