Penrose Rewarded With Scholarship

Tim Floyd said Tuesday he had awarded USC’s final scholarship for the second semester to senior walk-on guard Chris Penrose, who was instrumental in the first-year coach’s recruiting efforts.

“He’s been a real giver since we’ve been here and just a real team guy,” Floyd said.

Penrose, who has scored two points in three games this season, said his family would use the extra money to send his half sister, Rachel Hall, to a private school next year.

Floyd had held the scholarship until now in the event he landed a transfer.

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Trojan signee Kasey Cunningham suffered a severe knee injury and is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam today to determine whether he will miss the remainder of his senior season at Albuquerque Cibola High.

The 6-foot-7 forward, averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, suffered the injury Saturday when he banged knees with an opponent.

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Junior center Abdoulaye N’diaye twisted his ankle during practice Tuesday but was able to finish the session.

-- Ben Bolch