With a healthy heap of one of the nation's top offensive talents in the lineup, it might have been easy to assume USC would be able to smooth out any rough spots in its offense.

To the pleasant surprise of coach Tim Floyd, it's the Trojans' defense that has instead become the major contributor to their five-game winning streak despite having the explosive O.J. Mayo ready to unleash his offense.

In the three games of the Anaheim Classic last weekend, USC's opponents shot 32.8 percent, 42.6 percent and 32.7 percent. In the three second halves, USC held its three opponents to 23-for-75 shooting (30.7 percent).

"We showed that we can be a good defensive club," Floyd said. "We utilized our athleticism in terms of help and recovery and defensive transition.

"If we can get five guys ahead of the ball, we have the chance to be a good defensive club."

And one of the key components to the defensive surge? O.J. Mayo's commitment to the other end of the court. In fact, O.J. Mayo says his play on defense shouldn't be an eye-opener for those expecting only offensive production.

"I hope not," O.J. Mayo said. "He's the coach and I'm the player, so if he emphasizes a certain part in our team as far as a way to continue to be better, then I think we should import that as players.

"I just enjoy competing on the defensive end as team. If every guy takes care of business, it makes a tremendous impact on the team."

Floyd said it's O.J. Mayo's determination to win that should stand out above all else in the freshman's game.

"You don't ever know who a guy's going to be until you coach him, but he's a been a willing defender and very unselfish on the offensive end," Floyd said. "We had everybody hurt in the first game and he had to take 27 shots. He hasn't taken as many lately because we have more guys and he's been willing to move it and kick it."

TALL ORDER

Oklahoma (5-1) will test USC (5-1) in the frontcourt in tonight's game at the Galen Center that opens the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series.

The unranked Sooners have 6-foot-10 forward Blake Griffin and 6-11 center Longar Longar in the starting lineup with the 6-8 Keith Clark in reserve.

Forward Taj Gibson (6-9) is USC's tallest starter, with 6-7 Kasey Cunningham alongside him. The Trojans might turn to 6-10 junior Keith Wilkinson.