GAME NOTES: The New Mexico Lobos will welcome the USC Trojans to The Pit on Sunday afternoon for a non-conference clash.

After a 1-2 stay at the Charleston Classic last week, USC returned home on Nov. 25 and posted a 53-49 decision versus Cal State Fullerton to improve to 3-3 on the season.

New Mexico, which has won 27 games or more in four of the past five seasons, has gotten the season off to a sluggish start by its lofty standards at a modest 3-2. The Lobos most recently participated in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, losing games to Boston College (69-65) and Texas A&M (64-51) with a win over George Mason (69-58) sandwiched in between.

The Lobos have won five straight in the all-time series with USC, most recently in December of 2012 (75-67), to take a 6-5 lead in the all-time series.

The Trojans endured a close battle with Fullerton in their most recent game, and leading by one possession inside the final minute, Nikola Jovanovic blocked a potential game-tying field goal to help his team hold on to a slim victory. Although they shot only 39 percent from the field on the evening, they played outstanding defense in hold Fullerton to 32.1 percent shooting while forcing 17 turnovers. Jovanovic tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in the triumph, while Darion Clark (10 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks) also recorded a double-double.

USC has established a great pattern of strong defense during the first month of the season, as it yields just 63.7 ppg on 39.3 percent field goal shooting. Unfortunately it has a difficult time taking advantage on the offensive end of the floor (61.7 ppg, .396). Jordan McLaughlin scores a team-best 11.5 ppg and hands out 5.0 apg. Katin Reinhardt (11.0 ppg) and Jovanovic (9.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg) have also been solid, but none of the top three scorers boast a field goal percentage greater than .386.

The Lobos held a seven-point lead early in the second half of their most recent game but fell apart down the stretch by allowing Texas A&M to finish the game on a 37-17 run. The Lobos were plagued by a lackluster 34.7 percent showing from the field, including only 5-of-18 from 3-point range, and they were plagued by a game-high 16 turnovers. Deshawn Delaney led the way with 13 points, although just one of his five long-range attempts fell. Hugh Greenwood struggled from the field (3-of-12) but finished with 10 points and seven assists.

It's been a bit of a struggle for New Mexico on the offensive end of the floor this season, as it shoots only 43.5 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from 3-point range on its way to 66.2 ppg. Its lackluster shooting has put a damper on an impressive defensive effort (61.0 ppg). Cullen Neal has a team- best 17.0 ppg but is out for at least three weeks with an ankle injury. In Neal's absence, Greenwood (13.2 ppg, 4.2 apg) and Delaney (11.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg) have been called upon for a larger workload.

New Mexico is a great home team and will welcome a return to The Pit, especially against a USC squad that struggles to put points on the board.