Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • C6

6C SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2018 THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC When Rob Edwards transferred to Arizona State, his vision was not of shooting at the ceiling while laid up with a bulging disc. Yet for more than three weeks, the ju- nior guard was forced into bed rest by the major injury of his basketball career. He started in season opener then missed the next six games before returning last week for 14 min- utes the bench against Nevada. Although Edwards went 0-of-5 shooting, it was at least a beginning to his role, once presumed to be as a starter but now less on the No. 20 Sun Devils.

just trying to get back into the of the 21-year-old said. only practiced two or three days before (Nevada), and I even do a full practice. That game was really my time getting up and down. happy where at now and getting better so what all Edwards patiently waited out a re- quired transfer year after leaving Cleve- land State for ASU following the 2016-17 season when he averaged 16.5 points as a sophomore with 10 20-point games. He and Zylan Cheatham, a transfer from San Diego State, shared that experi- ence, which Edwards said was easier than what he just went through with his bad back.

After playing 41 minutes in a double- overtime game against Cal State Fuller- ton on Nov. 6, back to the point that he could not reach down to take his socks happened a few weeks before the he said. started bothering me, but I never paid much attention to it because I could play through After an MRI revealed the disc prob- lem, Edwards fell into a routine of bed, medication and chiropractic treatment before a cortisone shot after which he began to feel better. literally move around. I could barely he said.

just had a basketball in my bed shooting up to the ceiling. That was probably the worst pain I ever Now Edwards by necessity is more in tune with his body proper hydration, posture and needed to keep him on the court in terms of physical therapy, stretching and properly warm- ing up, riding a bike while wearing a hoodie before practice. is said Edwards, who leaned on family for support. just feel like by yourself when the team goes on the road. just got to be smart with how I treat myself, but how got to at the next level any- way.

got to know how to take care of your body. still not as explosive as I want to be, but as far getting my legs under me and playing defense and being able to knock down shots, I feel like Edwards was on a time limitation against Nevada on Dec. 7 and might not have played as much as he did if Kimani Lawrence had not been in foul trouble. Up next are road games against Georgia on Saturday and Vanderbilt on Monday. ASU coach Bobby Hurley said for Ed- wards, timing and feel and out where his opportunities are going to surface.

With some guys that move without the ball well and our rebounders, they could ways to get themselves right back into a good rhythm. With guys that can score it like Rob can, more adjusting to the of- fense and playing with guys he played with for a big amount of time. Sometimes when you miss that much time, those guys take a little bit longer to get their Edwards back on court for Sun Devils Arizona State guard Rob Edwards (2) gets past Nevada forward Cody Martin (11) and forward Caleb Martin (10) for a basket in the half of a game at Staples Center on Dec. 7 in Los Angeles. JAYNE TODAY SPORTS game Arizona State at Georgia When: 4 p.m.

Where: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, Ga. SEC (620). Outlook: No. 20 ASU (7-1) is coming off its loss, 72-66 to No. 7 Nevada on Dec.

7. Remy Martin, Rob Edwards and Mickey Mitchell returned from injuries in that game, allowing coach Bobby Hurley to go nine deep. Hurley is treating two road games in three days, including Vanderbilt on Monday, as a test run for the Pac-12 season. ASU has not won consecutive Pac-12 road games since January 2010. The Sun Devils are 0-4 all-time away against SEC opponents and 1-0 vs.

Georgia (62-61 home win in 1989). Georgia (5-3) is in its season under coach Tom Crean with results ranging from a 91-67 loss to Georgia State and a 92-75 win over Texas Southern (ASU also beat Texas Southern, 83-71). Four Bulldogs aver- age scoring including Rayshaun Hammonds (14.4) and Nico- las Claxton (12.5). Junior guard missed 6 games with back issue Jeff Metcalfe Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK still not as explosive as I want to be, but as far getting my legs under me and playing defense and being able to knock down shots, I feel like Rob Edwards Arizona State guard, on his recovery from a back injury Arizona State guard Rob Edwards (2) drives to the basket against Cal State Fullerton forward Amel Kuljuhovic (22) on Nov. 6 in Tempe.

BILLY FOR THE REPUBLIC game Grand Canyon at Texas When: 4:01 p.m. Where: Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas. ESPN3, 1580 The Fanatic, 99.3 FM. Update: This is the first time GCU (5-4) has ever played a Big 12 opponent. It is 0-11 in its history against Power Five schools.

The Antelopes are coming off a 74-66 loss to No. 6 Nevada in the Jerry Colangelo Classic at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Guard Trey Drechsel had 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting to lead the team. GCU forced 14 Nevada turn- overs, the most the Wolf Pack commit- ted this year. The Antelopes have not won a non-conference road game since December 2015.

Texas (6-3) is led by senior guard Kerwin Roach II (14.3 points, 4.3 assists) and senior forward Dylan Osetkowski (8.6 re- bounds). The Longhorns average 37.3 rebounds a game. GCU BASKETBALL Grand Canyon guard Trey Drechsel shoots a 3-pointer vs. Nevada. BILLY FOR THE REPUBLIC Rising announce 2019 games Phoenix Rising FC announced the two games of their 2019 season on Friday.

The season opener will be on the road at San Antonio FC on Saturday, March 9. The Rising's home opener will be one week later against USL newcomer New Mexico United. The full schedule will be released at a later date. Wentz has stress fracture in back; no surgery needed PHILADELPHIA Eagles coach Doug Pederson says Carson Wentz has a stress fracture in his back and is questionable to play Sunday night against the Rams in Los Angeles. Pederson says the injury evolved over time and does not require surgery but could take up to three months to heal.

Wentz is expected to travel with the team for the game. Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles would play if Wentz go. Foles tak- en a snap in a game since Week 2. He took over in Week 14 last season after Wentz tore two ligaments in his left knee. Foles led Philadelphia to its NFL title since 1960 and started the two games this season, going 1-1.

Salt Lake City gets go-ahead to bid for Winter Olympics Salt Lake City got the green light to bid for an upcoming Winter Olympics most likely for 2030 in an attempt to bring the Games back to the city that hosted in 2002 and provided the back- drop for the U.S. winter ascen- dance into an international power- house. The U.S. Olympic Committee said Friday it was selecting capital, which stood out as a predictable, slam- dunk pick in a process that also includ- ed Denver and Reno, Nevada. With venues still in place some of them upgraded from the 2002 Games, Salt Lake claims it can host again at a lower cost than other candidates, which aligns with the International Olympic new blueprint for the Games.

No. 5 Mississippi St. women get road win at Southern Miss HATTIESBURG, Miss. Anriel How- ard scored 16 points, Teaira McCowan added 13 points and 16 rebounds and No. 5 Mississippi State beat Southern Mis- sissippi 86-42 on Friday night.

Mississippi State have a great night but made things very for Southern Miss on the defen- sive end. The Bulldogs forced 27 turn- overs and had a 43-29 rebounding ad- vantage. Southern Miss managed just 15 points in the second half. Mary Hardin-Baylor wins D-III title SHENANDOAH, Texas Jase Ham- mack threw for 147 yards and two touch- downs, Markeith Miller rushed for 90 yards and a score and Mary Hardin- Baylor won its second Division III na- tional title in three years, beating de- fending champion Mount Union 24-16 on Friday night. Hammack rebounded after losing a fumble in the that led to the Purple lone touchdown by completing 11 of 19 passes and rallying the Crusaders (15-0) from a 10-0 T.J.

Josey caught passes for 78 yards and a touchdown for Mary Hardin-Baylor, which lost to the Raiders (14-1) 12-0 last year in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. Wire services BRIEFS game Baylor at Arizona When: 9 p.m.. Where: McKale Center Outlook: Arizona (7-3) is coming off an 76-73 loss at Alabama. A big difference came in the points off bench column as Alabama managed a big 29-6 advan- tage. Junior center Chase Jeter record- ed a team-high 19 points and nine re- bounds.

Brandon Randolph added 17 and Brandon Williams 16 which included four 3-pointers. This will be the first of five straight home games for the Wild- cats Baylor (5-3) comes in after a 71-63 loss to Wichita State. The three losses are by eight points or less, with the other two against Texas Southern and Ole Miss. The Bears rely on balance. They have four play- ers averaging double figures but the team-high is 13.6 by sophomore for- ward Tristan Clark.

Baylor is coached by Scott Drew, in his 15th year with a record at the school of 296-195. Injury report: No injuries reported. Michelle Gardner, Arizona Republic UA BASKETBALL.