UCLA and USC: A Crosstown Rivalry with National Championship Implications
Prelude to the Clash
When the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans collide on Thursday night, it will be more than just a battle between crosstown rivals. It will be a clash of two top-10 teams, a potential preview of the Final Four, and a pivotal game in the race for the Pac-12 regular season title.
UCLA: Undefeated and Unstoppable
The Bruins, led by All-American center Lauren Betts, have been on a tear this season. With a perfect 23-0 record, they stand as the lone undefeated team remaining in Division I women’s basketball. Betts, averaging an impressive 21.5 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, has been a dominant force in the paint.
USC: Deeply Talented and Hungry for More
The Trojans, powered by star guard JuJu Watkins, are no slouches either. They boast a 21-2 record and a roster brimming with talent. Watkins, averaging 18.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, has been a catalyst for USC’s success this season.
A New Chapter in the Rivalry
While the rivalry between UCLA and USC is one of the most storied in college basketball, Thursday’s game marks a new chapter in their feud. For the first time, they will face off as conference foes in the newly formed Big Ten.
Both teams have adjusted seamlessly to their new conference, with UCLA leading the way with a 12-0 record and USC sitting in second with a 10-2 mark. Thursday’s meeting will be the first of two between the rivals this season, setting the stage for a potentially epic rubber match down the road.
Keys to the Game
The outcome of this high-stakes showdown will likely hinge on several key factors:
- Betts’ dominance: Can UCLA’s All-American center continue her reign in the paint against a talented USC frontcourt led by Moriah Alexander?
- USC’s outside shooting: The Trojans are known for their ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. If they can find their touch, they could force UCLA to play catch-up.
- Watkins’ all-around game: Watkins is a dynamic player who can score, rebound, and create for others. If she can have a big game, she could lead USC to an upset victory.
National Implications
Beyond the conference implications, Thursday’s game could also have significant national implications. A UCLA victory would solidify their status as the top-ranked team in the country, while a USC triumph would send shockwaves through the women’s basketball landscape.
Both teams are aiming for a deep run in March, and Thursday’s showdown will provide a glimpse into their championship potential. With the eyes of the college basketball world upon them, UCLA and USC are poised to deliver a memorable performance that will shape the narrative of the 2023 season.
