Fresh five

Each week, the Times takes a look at how UCLA’s Kevin Love and USC’s O.J. Mayo stack up against the best of the nation’s freshman class. But this week, Mayo takes a rest on the bench after a four-point, 10-turnover performance against UCLA.

Michael Beasley, Kansas State

* Season stats: 25.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg.

* What he’s done lately: After a 40-point, 17-rebound performance against Missouri in which he made 12 of 22 shots, 14 of 15 free throws and two three-pointers, Beasley is one double-double from tying Carmelo Anthony’s NCAA freshman record of 22. Beasley also had 22 points and 15 rebounds in a loss to Texas Tech.

* What’s ahead: Wednesday at Nebraska, Saturday at Baylor.

Eric Gordon, Indiana

* Season stats: 21.7 ppg, 47.1% FG%.

* What he’s done lately: With turmoil surrounding Coach Kelvin Sampson over charges of more NCAA violations that have put his job in jeopardy, Gordon had 28 points and five assists as the Hoosiers upended Michigan State. He had 23 points in a loss to Wisconsin on a shot in the final seconds.

* What’s ahead: Tonight vs. Purdue, Saturday at Northwestern.

Kevin Love, UCLA

* Season stats: 17.3 ppg, 11.0 rpg.

* What he’s done lately: Love scored 13 points for the second consecutive game Sunday against USC, adding 11 rebounds to notch another double-double.

* What’s ahead: Thursday vs. Oregon State, Saturday vs. Oregon.

Jerryd Bayless, Arizona

* Season stats: 21.1 ppg, 4.4 apg.

* What he’s done lately: Bayless has scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games. He had 33 and four assists against Cal, and 31 and six assists in a loss to Stanford. He is shooting 45% from three-point range.

* What’s ahead: Thursday at Washington, Saturday at Washington State.

James Harden, Arizona State

* Season stats: 18.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg.

* What he’s done lately: Against Stanford, Harden took over at the end of regulation and in overtime to help the Sun Devils pull an upset in a key Pacific 10 game. Harden scored 23 points, 12 of them down the stretch. He had 11 points in a loss to California as freshman teammate Ty Abbott scored a career-high 30 points, making eight three-pointers.

* What’s ahead: Thursday at Washington State, Saturday at Washington.

-- Robyn Norwood