Inside Work Will Be Key to Success

Center Rory O’Neil and power forward Nick Curtis attended the Pete Newell Big Man Camp in Las Vegas last summer.

But neither recalled the imposing presence of Brigham Young senior Rafael Araujo, the 6-foot-11, 280-pound Brazilian center who was widely considered the camp’s best player.

USC’s big men will get an eyeful of Araujo tonight, though, as the Trojans attempt to end BYU’s 37-game nonconference home winning streak.

“He’s a big boy,” O’Neil, who is the same height but will give up 40-plus pounds, said after watching video of Araujo. “And he’s skilled. I guess he played soccer growing up. He’s going to be a good match for us, a good challenge.”

Araujo is averaging 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds and torched then-No. 25 Oklahoma State for 32 points and 17 rebounds in BYU’s 76-71 victory on Dec. 6.

The Trojans shut down the last NBA post prospect they faced, limiting Cal State Fullerton center Pape Sow to nine points and no rebounds before he fouled out in 21 minutes of USC’s 96-90 overtime win on Tuesday.

“We need to just stick to our game plan and not worry about what they’re doing,” O’Neil said. “We can’t control what they do.”

TONIGHT

at Brigham Young, 6 PST

Site -- Marriott Center.

Radio -- KMPC (1540), KSPA (1510), XEMM (800).

Records -- USC 3-2, BYU 5-1.

Update -- Thanks in part to the two-year Mormon missions players serve, the average age of the Cougars’ four starting seniors is 23 years, 4 months. BYU’s lone loss this season was at California, 47-46.