FRESH FIVE

Each week, The Times takes a look at the best of the nation’s freshman class. This week, UCLA’s Kevin Love returns after a one-week absence.

Michael Beasley, Kansas State

* Season stats: 26.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg.

* What he’s done lately: Beasley’s numbers are terrific, but his team’s recent performances haven’t been. The Wildcats have lost five out of their last six games, falling to Kansas on Saturday despite 39 points and 11 rebounds by Beasley.

* What’s ahead: Tonight vs. Colorado, Saturday at Iowa State.

Eric Gordon, Indiana

* Season stats: 21.4 ppg, 45.6 FG%.

* What he’s done lately: Gordon scored 17 points in a victory over Northwestern and 22 in a loss to Michigan State. But he was only two for 13 from three-point range in those games.

* What’s ahead: Wednesday vs. Minnesota, Sunday at Penn State.

Kevin Love, UCLA

* Season stats: 17.3 ppg, 11.1 rpg.

* What he’s done lately: Love had 24 points and 15 rebounds in a hard-fought victory at Arizona, three days after he had 18 points and 12 rebounds against Arizona State.

* What’s ahead: Thursday vs. Stanford, Saturday vs. California.

O.J. Mayo, USC

* Season stats: 20.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg.

* What he’s done lately: Mayo scored a career-high 37 points in a loss to Arizona State, making seven of 10 three-pointers. Earlier in the week, had contributed 20 in a victory over Arizona.

* What’s ahead: Thursday vs. California, Saturday vs. Stanford.

Jerryd Bayless, Arizona

* Season stats: 20.4 ppg, 4.3 apg.

* What he’s done lately: It wasn’t a good week for the Wildcats, who are not assured of their 24th consecutive NCAA berth after being swept by USC and UCLA. Bayless matched his season low of eight points against USC, and scored 15 in a two-point loss to UCLA.

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

-- Robyn Norwood