Stewart Paces USC Home Win

Lodrick Stewart was back in USC’s starting lineup after a two-game absence only because the Trojans were facing a guard-oriented UC Riverside team that liked to push the pace.

Yet it might be difficult to justify displacing Stewart from the starting five for the rest of the season if he continues to play as he did Wednesday night at the Sports Arena during USC’s 81-48 victory over the undermanned Highlanders.

The junior guard scored 23 points in 25 minutes on nine-for-10 shooting for the Trojans (3-2), who notched their first home victory under Coach Tim Floyd and played with more poise than they had against Cal State Northridge in their season opener.

Stewart said his performance was prompted in part by a discussion with Floyd in which the coach told him “he needed me to do more.”

Despite picking up two fouls in the first four minutes, Stewart continued to display energy on both ends of the court, diving for a loose ball and rebounding with authority.

And then there was his shooting. Stewart made six of seven first-half shots, including three of four from beyond the three-point arc. USC made 65.4% of its shots in building a 44-21 halftime lead.

Stewart’s most eye-popping plays came on consecutive possessions in the second half. He corralled an alley-oop pass from freshman guard Ryan Francis and dunked with one hand, then made a no-look pass to Nick Young, who dunked on a breakaway.

“I just went out there and played my heart out,” said Stewart, who played 10 minutes in the second half before Floyd inserted his reserves.

Young scored 21 points and forward RouSean Cromwell had a career-high four blocks to lead an active Trojan defense that regularly contested shots and passes and forced 24 turnovers. USC also outrebounded the UC Riverside, 42-28.

Forward David Misko had nine points for UC Riverside (0-4), which shot 33.3% from the field.

Floyd shuffled his starting lineup for the second time in three games, replacing forward Jeremy Barr with Stewart to feature a four-guard lineup.

Stewart was active from the outset, making a three-point basket from the wing and following with a layup on a fast break to give the Trojans a 19-10 lead.

After UC Riverside pulled to within five points, 19-14, on consecutive putbacks by Benoit Bekeno and Misko, Stewart made consecutive three-pointers to spark a 21-0 run that gave USC a 40-14 lead.

“We’re happy to see him out there opening up his game,” Young said. “Hopefully, he’ll take off from here.”

Floyd made no promises about keeping Stewart a starter, saying that his lineup would be dictated by matchups. But Stewart certainly presents an attractive option.

“He guarded the best he’s guarded since he’s been with us and made great progress sharing the ball,” Floyd said. “He’s getting better.”