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Mayo brings big game to New York, faces No. 2 Memphis

Dec 4, 2007 - 2:11 PM USC (6-2) at No. 2 Memphis (6-0) 9:30 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Freshman sensation O.J. Mayo gets his first chance to bring his exciting game to the bright lights of New York.

Mayo will face one of the top teams in the nation when Southern California meets second-ranked Memphis in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

So far, the 6-5 Mayo has not disappointed in the early stages of his expected brief collegiate career, averaging 21.0 points as the Trojans have started 6-2.

It is the second straight season that USC has began 6-2. The Trojans had been on a six-game winning streak before absorbing Sunday's 59-55 loss to No. 4 Kansas.

A usually dependable shooter, Mayo got caught up in facing one of the top teams in the nation, forcing up ill-advised shots en route to finishing 6-of-21 from the field en route to 19 points.

It may be tough for the 20-year-old to stay within himself against the Tigers while playing on one of the biggest stages in college basketball.

Mayo will also be squaring off with another top member of the Class of 2011 in Memphis guard Derrick Rose.

Rose has averaged 17.0 points and 5.0 rebounds for the Tigers, who at 6-0 are off to their best start since beginning 8-0 in 1995-96.

Memphis ranks 11th in the nation in the scoring with 85.7 points, and is well balanced with six players averaging seven or more points. Junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts leads the Tigers with a scoring average of 21.8.

This will be Memphis' second trip to Madison Square Garden this season after it won the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic title with an 81-70 triumph over Connecticut on November 16.

Since then, the Tigers have posted wins over Arkansas State and Austin Peay by an average of 21.5 points.