Right Team at Right Time?

Today’s game against Ohio State may be what swingman Ken Sims and guard Elias Ayuso need to right their season. The 6-foot-2 Ayuso has struggled from behind the three-point line and the 6-5 Sims, another long-range specialist, has been forgotten by teammates when he moves beyond the arc.

Most of the shots Sims used to get are now going to junior Adam Spanich, a three-point marksman who transferred to USC this season.

But on this day last year, Ayuso and Sims had to step up after Bibby suspended three starters--Stais Boseman, Rodrick Rhodes and Gary Williams--for a violation of team rules. A fourth starter, Danny Walker, was injured.

Ayuso and Sims responded with 17 points and four assists each, leading the Trojans to a 79-68 victory over the Buckeyes.

TODAY

at Ohio State

* 11 a.m. PST

Site--St. John Arena, Columbus, Ohio.

Radio--KIEV (870).

Records--Trojans 4-2, Buckeyes 5-3.

Update--During the 18-day layoff since the Nevada Las Vegas game, the Trojans’ walking wounded have had time to heal--a little. Junior shooting guard Elias Ayuso, who sprained his shoulder lifting weights two weeks ago, will play against the Buckeyes, but sophomore forward Jarvis Turner and freshman guard Kevin Augustine will not. Turner broke a bone in his left hand against UNLV and Augustine is suffering from tendinitis in his right shoulder. The Buckeyes are led by two big guards, 6-foot-5 freshman Michael Redd (23.4 points, 6.8 rebounds) and 6-7 junior Jason Singleton (12 points, 5.4 rebounds).