The primary spherical of one of many greatest rivalries in ladies’s faculty basketball is going on tonight because the No.6 USC Trojans host the No.1 UCLA Bruins on the Galen Middle.
Right here’s every part you should know.
Undefeated sitting at 23-0, UCLA is having its greatest season within the historical past of the 51-year-old program. Led by a dominant heart Lauren Betts and guard Kiki Rice, the crew has been rolling wanting so as to add a twenty fourth consecutive win to the file. Betts in her second 12 months with the Bruins after transferring from Stanford and is having an excellent season whereas averaging slightly below 20 ppg with 9.7 boards. At 6 ‘7, she is a power within the paint, too. Rice within the backcourt is averaging 12 and three, however has a presence on the courtroom you can’t miss.
After taking their first loss to Notre Dame again in November and a newer second to an unranked Iowa, the Trojans need to prevail, on their residence ground. SLAM cowl star Juju Watkins is having a sensational season, alongside ahead Kiki Iriafen. Watkins in her second 12 months as a Trojan, averaging slightly below 24 ppg and 6.7 rpg with senior Iriafen at 18 ppg and eight.4 boards all eyes are on them.
Each duo’s above have been named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Ladies’s Faculty Participant of the 12 months Midseason Crew. Watkins in addition to Betts have additionally been named to the John R. Wood Award Late Midseason Prime 20 Watch Checklist.
Given the crosstown rivalry, numbers, and accolades listed above between these 4 names, this recreation will probably be one of the vital entertaining watches this season but, setting the stage for the rest of the season and the rematch to return in a pair weeks. Tip off is 6pm pt.
Who you bought?