SPEAK SOFTLY, CARRY BIG STAT GUENTHER, USC OVERWHELM OREGON USC 91, OREGON 76.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Perhaps the biggest asset USC forward Gregg Guenther brings to the Trojans is that he isn't named Jerry Dupree.

While Dupree can't seem to stay out of trouble, Guenther never makes waves. Around the Trojans, that's an invaluable trait, almost certain to earn a promotion.

``I like him because he doesn't talk much,'' USC coach Henry Bibby said.

That just about makes him a perfect player in Bibby's book. Besides, the soft-spoken Guenther spoke volumes with his play Sunday, earning career highs in points (16), rebounds (six), minutes (30) and steals (two) as the Trojans defeated No. 22 Oregon 91-76 in front of 4,771 at the Sports Arena.

``I think that was the best thing that ever happened,'' USC guard Desmon Farmer said. ``Who would expect Gregg Guenther would have 16 points?''

Guenther's role increased the past two days, with starting forward Nick Curtis nursing a sore heel and ankle and Dupree checking back into Bibby's doghouse this weekend. Dupree missed treatment on his sore ankle Saturday, got kicked out of practice and was ordered not to attend the Oregon game.

That opened up an opportunity for Guenther, the tight end on the football team who also played basketball at Taft High in Woodland Hills.

``I had a feeling that I might start because the past couple days I practiced with the first team,'' Guenther said.

It must have boosted Guenther's confidence because he took 13 shots against Oregon after taking 15 all season.

``I'm not afraid,'' Guenther said. ``Coach has told me to shoot when I've passed before. He's given me the green light.''

Guenther was the most noticeable difference against Oregon, though another was USC's balance. The Trojans had five players score in double figures for the first time since a victory over lowly Morris Brown on Nov. 30.

``I think Gregg gives us a solid inside presence,'' Bibby said. ``It opens it up for the other people to get some open shots, too.''

Errick Craven had 18 points and a career-high eight steals, and Farmer added 17 points. Rory O'Neil, who had seven points in 17 minutes against Oregon State, had 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, along with five blocks.

``That's how we'll win, with a lot of guys contributing,'' O'Neil said. ``We don't have Sam Clancy or David Bluthenthal to give us 20 points anymore.''

It also helped that Oregon (15-5, 5-4 Pacific-10 Conference) committed 26 turnovers and insisted on playing an up-tempo style USC favors.

``They play our type of game,'' Farmer said. ``They just played into our hands.''

Though Oregon got 21 points and six assists from star guard Luke Ridnour, he also had six turnovers. Guard Andre Joseph had five turnovers and forward Luke Jackson four. Although Jackson did not start, he played 33 minutes and wore a bandage on the finger he cut severely last week.

``We had sloppy passes, we had mental breakdowns,'' Oregon coach Ernie Kent said. ``USC took it to us. Mentally, we completely shut down. There were way too many turnovers.''

For a change, Bibby also complimented USC's defense. He had been unhappy the past two games because the Trojans allowed California and Oregon State to score 17 points in the first six minutes.

``We've been giving up too many points,'' he said.

Not that he had any premonitions beforehand the Trojans would improve their defense Sunday.

``I looked at the group before the game and said, `Oh man, it might be a long day,' '' Bibby said.

The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Trojans (8-9, 4-5), who started to wonder whether they would make the Pac-10 tournament, which takes the top eight teams. USC is tied for sixth with Oregon State.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) EASY DOES IT

USC finds its balance as five players score in double figures in a 91-76 upset of No. 22 Oregon

USC's Robert Hutchinson drives up the middle

(2) USC's Errick Craven keeps his eye on the basket as he goes against Oregon's Luke Jackson in the first half of Sunday's game at the Sports Arena.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer