MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: USC 69, ST. MARY'S 63 TROJANS' SHOW LACKING FOR PRIZED RECRUIT MAYO USC IS LACKLUSTER IN WIN OVER GAELS.

Byline: MATTHEW KREDELL Staff Writer

O.J. Mayo saw firsthand how much he will have to improve USC next year to reach his goal of an NCAA title.

The Trojans' prized recruit watched from the front row behind the team's bench as USC got its first victory at Galen Center by beating St.Mary's College 69-63 Saturday in front of 4,127.

``We wanted to play hard so that (Mayo) knows this program can be a powerhouse that he can carry to new heights,'' said Lodrick Stewart, who led the Trojans with 19 points.

Mayo, who was in town from his West Virginia home on an official recruiting visit, was in full business mode. Wearing a blue-and-gold jacket with L.A. on the front -- he'll have to learn that those colors don't mesh with USC -- Mayo never clapped or cheered while watching his future teammates.

The Trojans didn't give him much to cheer about.

Leading 50-36 with eightminutes left, the Trojans had four turnovers in five possessions to let St. Mary's back in the game. USC (1-1) had 21turnovers.

The Gaels (3-2) got within 53-50 with 3:46 remaining, but Stewart kept the Trojans ahead. He dribbled upcourt, saw an opening and went to the basket for a layup to give USC a bigger cushion with 1:40 to go, then hit four free throws down the stretch as the Trojans held on.

Stewart made just 1 of 5 shots in the first half but never got down on himself like he often did last season.

``A year ago, I don't remember a time where he struggled in the first half but still helped on the floor,'' coach Tim Floyd said. ``Instead of moping around in the second half, he came out and continued to play hard.''

Freshman forward Taj Gibson had another solid game with 15 points and fiverebounds before fouling out for the second time in a row.

The students who were out in force for the Galen Center opener were apparently too busy preparing for the football team's game later in the day. Fewer than 100 students filled their section.

At halftime, nearly 100 former players lined the court with an opportunity to shoot a basket at Galen Center.

The announcer -- half-kidding -- said each of the players was promised the opportunity to play in a new arena when they were recruited, and USC was fulfilling that promise.

Among the notables who participated were NBA Hall of Famer Bill Sharman, former USC coach Bob Boyd, current Lakers assistant Tex Winter and former NBA player and coach Paul Westphal. While most players tried layups or free throws, Greg Gaudino, a walk-on who graduated last year, went in with flair for a two-handed dunk.

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Photo:

USC's Lodrick Stewart drives to the basket past Saint Mary's Ian O'Leary during the first half.

Branimir Kvartuc/Associated Press