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UCLA Women’s Basketball Look For The Season Sweep Against USC

By Mike Regalado

Dec 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans forward Temi Fagbenle (41), UCLA Bruins forward Monique Billings (25) and guard Nirra Fields (21) look for a rebind in the second half of the game at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA won 78-73. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans forward Temi Fagbenle (41), UCLA Bruins forward Monique Billings (25) and guard Nirra Fields (21) look for a rebind in the second half of the game at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA won 78-73. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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#15 UCLA Bruins Vs USC Trojans

The last time these two teams met, an undefeated USC Women’s Basketball team was looking to start Pac-12 play the same way. What they did not expect was to run into the brick wall that was the UCLA Bruins.

At that point in the season, the Bruin already had three losses, but they were all to ranked teams. UCLA had put some work into the non-conference season and came away stronger, thus leading to three straight Pac-12 victories and the top spot in the conference standings. All of which started with the win over USC.

So now both teams finish off the season series early in Pac-12 play as they take this battle across town for to the Galen Center. Though they might not see each other again until the Pac-12 tournament, it does not take away from the animosity.

In their last game, the Bruins’ win put UCLA over the top in points in the BMW Crosstown Cup. Today, UCLA could extent their lead as they are currently up on USC, 30-25.

Records: UCLA (11-3. 3-0), USC Trojans (13-2, 1-2)

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Tipoff: 6 p.m. PT

Location: Galen Center (Cap. 10,258)

Tickets: USCTrojans.com

TV: Pac-12 Network

Live Stream: Pac-12 Network

Radio: AM 1150 Los Angeles, UCLABruins.com (Audio)

Players To Watch

USC Trojans

  • Kristen Simon -12.5 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, .421 FG%
  • Temi Fagbenie – 13.3 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, 1.3 blocks per game
  • Jordan Adams – 12.7 points per game, 2.3 assists per game, 8.7 rebounds per game

UCLA Bruins

  • Jordin Canada – 18.0 points per game, 6.5 assists per game, 3.9 rebounds per game
  • Nirra Fields – 17.9 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, 2.4 steals per game
  • Monique Billings – 13.9 points per game, .517 FG%, 8.1 rebounds per game

If you have not seen this team yet, get to a television at 6 p.m. These Bruins are for real. Not only did they beat an undefeated USC team, but they also gave Oregon their first loss of the season. On top of that, they shut down #11 Oregon State this past Monday, pushing their overall record to 11-3 with 3 wins and 0 losses in conference.

The Bruins are led by the fierce back court of Nirra Fields and Jordin Canada who are absolutely running their opponents into the ground. Their presence on the floor has elevated UCLA’s style of play and have become one of the deadliest teams in the conference. Along with Monique Billings under the basket, these Bruins are proving to be a force with their inside-out game.

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

What will be interesting is seeing how the Bruins do on the road. This is their first game away from Pauley Pavilion since the conference season started. Though it is only a stones throw from Westwood, playing in the Galen Center could present problems against a talented Trojan team. Still, the way UCLA has been playing, I see another Bruin victory.

Prediction: UCLA 65 – USC 58

Go Bruins!