The first collegiate meeting between between USC's O.J. Mayo and UCLA's Kevin Love will occur Saturday at Pauley Pavilion. But the last time they were on the court together it was on friendlier terms.

The two prep stars participated in the 2007 USA Nike Hoop Summit and played against a World Select Team in Memphis on April 27, with the Americans coming out with a 100-80 victory. Mayo scored a team-high 20 points and Love had 13 points and eight rebounds.

Among the other stars on the U.S. squad were Arizona's Jerryd Bayless, Memphis' Derrick Rose, Kansas State's Michael Beasley and Duke's Kyle Singler.

"We had a squad, man," Mayo said with a laugh. "We could take on the Spurs."

Mayo also forged a friendship with Love, though their communication has been curtailed during the season. But he knows what to be wary of when the Trojans (10-6, 1-3 Pacific-10) meet the No. 4 Bruins (16-1, 4-0).

"He's still the same player, dominating the boards, putting the defenders at mercy with either shoulder, shooting over each shoulder, doing a great job with outlet passes and getting his guys transition buckets," Mayo said. "He does a great job."

USC is trying to maintain its focus and not allow all of the Mayo-vs.-Love hype to distract them.

"I think it's two big-time players on the court, so they advertise it a little bit, but it's still USC-UCLA," Trojans guard Daniel Hackett said. "Obviously these kids are two of the top players in the country and it's going to be fun watching them out there, but I think people still view this game as the big city rivalry."

USC forward Taj Gibson, who has also squared off against Love at the AAU level, has his focus set.

"Both teams know that people want it to be between OJ and Love," Gibson said. "But both teams know that it's going to come down to who wants it more and it's going to take five to win this game."
Quick recovery

USC guard Angelo Johnson said he felt lightheaded prior to Saturday's win over Washington, and he required an intravenous dose of fluids during the game to recuperate.

"I had like some stomach issues earlier that morning," Johnson said. "I think I ate some bad eggs or something.

"I got the fluids back in me and I came out with a lot of energy in the second half. It took about 5-7 minutes (for the IV to take effect). I was ready to play."

Johnson returned to make a key drive for a basket and a pass to Gibson for a dunk to ignite a 14-0 run.

Injury updates

Mayo said his lower back and elbow remain sore from the tumble he took against Washington.

"It's kind of hard for me to explode," he said. "But I'll be good."

Hackett said he was ready to go after hurting his hip and having a cut between fingers of his left hand. The cut was large enough to require glue to help the healing.
Just a number

This will be the third time USC has faced the No. 4 team in the country this season, having lost to Kansas and Washington State when those two teams were rated at that spot.

In addition, the Trojans faced Memphis when the Tigers were ranked No. 2. All of that was supposed to prepare the Trojans for facing the tough competition in the Pac-10.

But that's no comparison, as far as Hackett is concerned.

"You could draw from those games maybe because the number in front of their name is close to Kansas and Memphis," Hackett said. "But I don't know if it's going to be the type of game that's similar to Kansas and Memphis.

"UCLA is a rhythm team, they like to execute a lot and we have to get them out of their rhythm and see what we can do."