So that's what an exhibition is supposed to look like.

Technically, No. 25 USC's 83-54 win over Delaware State on Monday night was a bona fide game on the schedule.

But unlike the practice game where the Trojans used a group of reserves to get mangled by Fresno Pacific, the regulars provided a show at the Galen Center.

It was the first of three tune-up games before Pacific-10 Conference play begins, and it was clear that USC (7-3) - which hadn't played a true game in nearly two weeks - was ready.

"We couldn't wait to go out there and play tonight," said guard Daniel Hackett, who had nine points and five assists. "We were really excited about this game. I think we came out focused."

Their focus was clearly directed at the basket, because the Trojans made 32 of 47 shots (68.1 percent), their best shooting game since they hit 71.1 percent against San Jose State in 1983.

Guard Dwight Lewis scored 18points on 8-for-9 shooting to lead the Trojans and forward Davon Jefferson made 7 of 9 shots to score 17 points to go along with seven rebounds.

Guard O.J. Mayo, passing out of a box-and-one defense much of the night, took only six shots, made five and scored 12 points to go with four assists.

USC was also sharp in directing the ball in the right direction.

The Trojans had a season-high 24 assists against only 11 turnovers. Four times this season, the Trojans have been limited to single digits in assists, including a low of three against Oklahoma.

"That was one of our biggest points of emphasis was not walking into play," USC coach Tim Floyd said. "We want to accelerate the ball into play.

"It shows you the ball was moving toward the shot versus beating people off the dribble and manufacturing shots and the offense dying in guys' hands when they caught it."

The Trojans built an 18-point lead in the first half and kicked it up to as many as 36 points in the second half after opening with a 12-0 run in the first 3:09 after halftime.

That streak was highlighted by a steal and behind-the-back dribble by Jefferson that he turned into a 3-point play. Moments later, Lewis found himself sitting on the floor with the ball, but calmly scooped a pass to O.J. Mayo, who hit a 3-pointer from the corner.

"That's something we emphasized a lot in practice, convert on turnovers or rebounds and get it quick up the sideline and I think we did a great job finishing in transition," O.J. Mayo said. "It was probably our best job all year."

Guard Roy Bright led Delaware State (3-6) with 22 points, going 4 for 13 on 3-point tries. The Hornets relied on the 3-point shot all night, but made only 6 of 22 tries from distance and shot 38.2 percent overall from the field.

They were beaten at the own game by the Trojans, who were 10 for 15 on 3-pointers. Reserve guard Angelo Johnson (11 points in 15 minutes) made three in a row during a 17-2 run midway through the second half and finished with 11 points.

USC opened in a sticky man-to-man defense, and not only did the Trojans thwart the Hornets, they unleashed a transition game they haven't been able to display much this season.

"We've got the playmakers who can get a lot of assists on this team," Hackett said. "We just have to know when to do a good play or when to pull back and take care of the ball. We know we have unselfish guys on this team."