Turner Not Ready to Return Just Yet

Lead reserve Jarvis Turner, who underwent arthroscopic surgery Dec. 13 to remove torn cartilage in his left knee, had hoped to be ready to return tonight against Northwestern.

But Turner’s recovery is not complete, and he did not make the trip.

He has played in five games, averaging four points and 3.2 rebounds off the bench.

Jeff Trepagnier, as expected, also did not make the trip. Although he still had not been cleared by the NCAA, Trepagnier is expected to be available for Saturday’s game against Long Beach State.

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For a team that tends to live and die with the jump shot, the Trojans are not helping themselves from beyond the three-point line. After making at least 10 three-point baskets in four of the first five games, USC has not made a three-pointer in its last five. Three-point field-goal shooting is down to 38% (78-205).

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Brian Scalabrine needs four points tonight to move into 14th place on the Trojans’ all-time list. Don Carfino holds that spot with 1,127 points.

TONIGHT

at Northwestern, 5

* Site--Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, Ill.

* Radio--KMPC (1540).

* Records--No. 16 USC 9-1, Northwestern 6-5.

* Update--Perhaps the Trojans, just back from a tournament in Hawaii, took note of what happened to Arizona and got their rest. After a three-day Maui Invitational trip in November, Arizona dragged into West Lafayette, Ind., and got upset by Purdue. Northwestern also is coming off a long trip, having played in the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico. Last season, the Trojans handed the Wildcats their worst defeat, 85-44, at the Sports Arena.