UCLA and USC Set for High-Stakes Big Ten Showdown

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The No. 2 UCLA Bruins and No. 4 USC Trojans are set to clash in a pivotal Big Ten battle on Saturday, March 1, at Pauley Pavilion. The game will be the second meeting of the season between these two teams, with both looking to secure the Big Ten regular-season title and enhance their chances for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

In their first encounter on February 13, USC pulled off a surprising 71-60 victory over UCLA, ending the Bruins’ undefeated start to the season. This recent loss has fueled UCLA’s determination as they look to avenge their defeat before heading into postseason play.

Both teams have performed impressively in the conference, with each carrying a 16-1 record in the Big Ten. The Bruins boast an unblemished home record of 13-0, while the Trojans have excelled on the road, winning both of their previous games against ranked opponents — defeating UConn and Maryland this season.

Star power is on display, with USC’s JuJu Watkins and UCLA’s Lauren Betts playing pivotal roles for their respective squads. Watkins, who exploded for 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 blocks in the first matchup against the Bruins, is averaging 23.2 points and 7 rebounds in February. Betts, who has since rebounded from injury, has emerged as a force, averaging 23 points in her three games following the loss to USC and setting a new program record for blocked shots in a season.

The stakes of this showdown are heightened by the opportunity to clinch the regular-season title and secure favorable positioning for the NCAA Tournament. Head coach of USC, Lindsay Gottlieb, expressed excitement for the matchup, stating, “It’s for all the marbles here,” indicating the high intensity expected for this rivalry game.

Fans can catch the action live on Fox at 9 p.m. ET. The atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion is anticipated to be electric, with a sell-out crowd expected to witness this thrilling top-five matchup. As both teams aim for victory, the implications for the postseason promise an exhilarating night of basketball.