Indiana leaning on Oumar Ballo with USC set to visit

With Malik Reneau on the shelf due to a right knee injury, Indiana needs Oumar Ballo to play like the dominant big man he’s proven to be at times this year and during his previous two years at Arizona.Coming off a 25-point, 13-rebound performance in a win over Penn State, Ballo has a chance to rack up more big numbers Wednesday night when the Hoosiers host new Big Ten Conference rival Southern California in Bloomington, Ind.Reneau was injured early during Indiana’s 84-74 win over Rutgers Jan. 2. His absence leaves 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game out of the lineup. That means Ballo gets more touches and, in theory, should have more chances to shine like he did for Indiana (12-3, 3-1) on Sunday.”We’re featuring him now,” Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. “He’s always been a double-double guy in his career. We’re featuring him more now with Malik being out.”Ballo, who’s averaging 13.6 ppg and a team-high 9.6 rebounds, won’t be a one-man show, even with Reneau sidelined. Mackenzie Mgbako scored 20, hitting four 3-pointers, against Penn State and adds 14.1 ppg. Myles Rice hits for 12 ppg and dishes out 3.2 assists.But Ballo figures to be the No. 1 option Wednesday night against the Trojans (9-5, 1-2), who don’t have anyone to physically match up with the 7-foot-0, 265-pound pivot. They had difficulties stopping Michigan’s two 7-footers Saturday night in an 85-74 home loss, giving up 21 points and 13 rebounds to Danny Wolf.

Blogs