West Coast Rivalry Heats Up in the Heartland: USC and UCLA Clash for Big Ten Supremacy
Indianapolis, Indiana – The storied rivalry between the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins, a fixture of the Los Angeles sports landscape, has unexpectedly migrated to the Midwest. Just eight days after USC secured a decisive victory over UCLA, completing a regular-season sweep and clinching their inaugural Big Ten title, these crosstown adversaries are set to reignite their battle. This time, however, the stakes are significantly higher than mere city bragging rights.
The Big Ten tournament championship, and the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament that accompanies it, hangs in the balance. Beyond that, a potential No. 1 seed in the national tournament, and perhaps even the coveted overall No. 1 ranking, are within reach, fueled by the upsets and unexpected outcomes unfolding in other conference tournaments across the country.
"Right after (last weekend’s) game I said, Absolutely. I’d love another opportunity," UCLA coach Cori Close declared with unwavering resolve after her team’s dominant 75-46 victory over Ohio State in the tournament semifinals. The Bruins’ emphatic win solidified their place in the championship game, setting the stage for a highly anticipated third showdown with their archrivals.
Close emphasized the importance of the upcoming game as a crucial preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. "At this time of year, you want to have the best kind of dress rehearsal for March Madness and the NCAA Tournament as you can," she explained. "Obviously they’re our only two losses. Obviously they’re our crosstown rival. Obviously this is for a conference tournament championship. There’s just so many levels to it."
The UCLA coach framed the rematch as an opportunity for her team to overcome past adversity and demonstrate their resilience. "But if you’re a real competitor, you want to be tested against the very best and you want to have opportunities to conquer your previous adversities. And that’s exactly what we’re getting."
On the USC side, a strategic approach has been adopted, with players consciously avoiding any inflammatory statements that could be used as motivational fuel by their opponents. The Trojans are determined to maintain their focus and let their performance on the court speak for itself.
"We have three goals: winning the regular season, winning the conference tournament and winning the NCAA Tournament," USC’s Kiki Iriafen stated confidently after her pivotal performance in the third quarter propelled the Trojans to an 82-70 semifinal win over Michigan. Despite the final score, the game was a hard fought contest. "I’m just happy we’re in the title game."
While USC chooses to maintain a composed demeanor, the anticipation surrounding the third installment of this rivalry is palpable. Both teams have consistently demonstrated their superiority throughout the season, establishing themselves as the clear frontrunners in the Big Ten Conference.
UCLA spent a significant portion of the season ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation, and boasts one of the country’s premier defensive players in Lauren Betts. USC, on the other hand, is currently playing at its peak, fueled by the extraordinary talent and captivating performances of JuJu Watkins, widely regarded as the most exciting player in college basketball.
Watkins’s impact on the game is undeniable, as she consistently delivers exceptional performances. Even on what she considers an "off" night, she still managed to contribute 20 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and three assists against Michigan. However, Watkins seems to elevate her game even further when facing UCLA.
In their first encounter on February 13, which marked UCLA’s first loss of the season, Watkins erupted for 38 points, 11 rebounds, and an astounding eight blocks. Despite this impressive performance, USC’s victory in their most recent matchup was perhaps even more demoralizing for the Bruins. They managed to limit Watkins to 30 points, three blocks, and three rebounds, yet still suffered a double-digit defeat in a game that felt even more lopsided than the final score indicated.
The loss served as a wake-up call for UCLA, prompting Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez to organize a players-only film session on Monday morning. This meeting provided an opportunity for the team to address their shortcomings, clear the air, and refocus their efforts. The Bruins responded positively, winning their first two games at the Big Ten tournament by comfortable margins, displaying renewed energy and determination.
"We obviously felt really badly about how we played them the last time and how we showed up, and we don’t ever want to feel that again," Betts said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to a stronger performance in the championship game.
Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, both USC and UCLA have secured their spots in the NCAA Tournament and will host first- and second-round games. It is highly unlikely that either team will be seeded lower than a No. 2.
However, there is a significant distinction between entering the tournament riding a wave of momentum and entering with a sense of vulnerability. A victory over their biggest rival would provide an invaluable boost of confidence and propel them forward, while a defeat would undoubtedly leave a lingering sting.
The Battle for L.A. has transcended its geographical boundaries and has found a new stage in the heart of the Midwest. As these two powerhouse programs prepare to face off once again, the intensity and passion of their rivalry will undoubtedly captivate audiences nationwide.
