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USC defeats UC Riverside 77-67 in O'Neill's debut

Nov 18, 2009 - 6:01 AM By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES(AP) -- Dwight Lewis led four players in double figures with 22 points and Southern California made Kevin O'Neill a winner in his return to the college coaching ranks with a 77-67 victory over UC Riverside on Tuesday night.

Lewis quickly settled into his new role as the Trojans' senior leader after three seasons watching other teammates carry the load by scoring their first seven points.

Marcus Simmons and Nikola Vucevic added 18 points each and Donte Smith 12 while taking over at point guard from the departed Daniel Hackett.

Konner Veteto scored 14 points and Gonzaga transfer Larry Gurganious added 13 for the Highlanders (0-2), who have never beaten USC in four meetings. They failed to duplicate the feat of Big West rival Cal State Fullerton, which stunned UCLA in double overtime a night earlier.