The first round of one of the biggest rivalries in women’s college basketball is happening tonight as the No.6 USC Trojans host the No.1 UCLA Bruins at the Galen Center.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Undefeated sitting at 23-0, UCLA is having its best season in the history of the 51-year-old program. Led by a dominant center Lauren Betts and guard Kiki Rice, the team has been rolling looking to add a 24th consecutive win to the record. Betts in her second year with the Bruins after transferring from Stanford and is having an outstanding season while averaging just under 20 ppg with 9.7 boards. At 6 ‘7, she is a force in the paint, too. Rice in the backcourt is averaging 12 and 3, but has a presence on the court you cannot miss.
After taking their first loss to Notre Dame back in November and a more recent second to an unranked Iowa, the Trojans are looking to prevail, on their home floor. SLAM cover star Juju Watkins is having a sensational season, alongside forward Kiki Iriafen. Watkins in her second year as a Trojan, averaging just under 24 ppg and 6.7 rpg with senior Iriafen at 18 ppg and 8.4 boards all eyes are on them.
Both duo’s above have been named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year Midseason Team. Watkins as well as Betts have also been named to the John R. Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List.
Given the crosstown rivalry, numbers, and accolades listed above between those four names, this game will be one of the most entertaining watches this season yet, setting the stage for the remainder of the season and the rematch to come in a couple weeks. Tip off is 6pm pt.
Who you got?
