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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:46 p.m., Thursday, January 1, 2009

Maui's Kaluka Maiava named Rose Bowl's top defensive player

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Kaluka Maiava

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Maui's Kaluka Maiava was named the top defensive player of today's Rose Bowl becoming the third straight USC linebacker to win that award.

Maiava, a 6-foot, 230-pound senior, is a Baldwin High alum from Wailuku. He had four solo tackles and broke up two passes against the Nittany Lions.

He follows Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga for the Trojans who defeated Penn State, 38-24, for their third straight Rose Bowl victory at Pasedena, Calif.

Maiava, who started in all 13 of USC's games this season, was an All-Pac 10 second team selection this year.