New Colors: Black and Blue

The Trojans, who have been injury free this season, emerged from their game at UCLA with a few bumps and bruises.

Guard Brandon Granville hurt his back in the final minutes when he drove to the basket and landed hard on the floor. Guard Elias Ayuso injured his hip earlier in the game. Both players are expected to be ready when Washington comes to town next week.

“We don’t play till Thursday, so I’m sure they’ll be OK,” Coach Henry Bibby said.

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UCLA Coach Steve Lavin said he worried about facing USC on Wednesday night if only because the Bruins came in with a nine-game winning streak against the Trojans.

“Just the law of averages,” Lavin said. “It’s like buying a lottery ticket. You buy enough of them, you’re going to win.”

Lavin also said the Trojans are significantly improved from a month ago, when they lost by 18 points to UCLA. He was impressed with their emerging half-court offense and the hustle they have shown despite losing nine of their last 11 games.

Coming up: Thursday vs. Washington, Feb. 27 vs. Washington State.