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USC Vs UCLA Basketball: The Crosstown Showdown Is Back!

By Mike Regalado

Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford reacts during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford reacts during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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USC Trojans Vs UCLA Bruins

That is right, Ladies and Gentlemen, the basketball version of the Crosstown Showdown is back!

Why do I phrase it like that? Because in the last two seasons since Andy Enfield took over USC and Steve Alford took over at UCLA, the Bruins have been undefeated against the Trojans, and some of the games were not even close. Essentially, it’s been a one-sided rivalry.

After Enfield claimed that they play fast at USC and stated that if you want to do the opposite you should go play at UCLA, the Bruins wrecked the Trojans, 107-73 in the first game of the Enfield-Alford era.

USC under Enfield has yet to beat UCLA. Though things are shifting for the Trojans.

Related Story: USC Vs UCLA: The Basketball Battle Has Changed

Records: USC Trojans (14-3, 3-1), UCLA Bruins (11-6, 2-2)

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Tipoff: 8:00 p.m. PT

Location: Pauley Pavilion (13,800)

Tickets: UCLABruins.com

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN Live Stream

Radio: AM 570 Los Angeles

On-line Radio: Tune-In

Betting Line: UCLA -1.5

Players To Watch

UCLA Bruins

  • Bryce Alford -17.4 points per game, 5.1 assists per game, 4.0 rebounds per game
  • Isaac Hamilton – 16.5 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game
  • Tony Parker – 13.0 points per game, 9.9 rebounds per game, .532 FG%

USC Trojans

  • Jordan McLaughlin – 12.9 points per game, 5.3 assists per game, 3.8 rebounds per game
  • Julian Jacobs – 12.9 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game,  .667 3FG%
  • Nikola Jovanovic – 12.5 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, .548 FG%

Things are different this year. Enfield finally has the players he needs to play the up-tempo style he believes will take the Trojans to new heights.

He also has developed his veteran players which is leading this fast-paced effort. Though they are not yet Pac-12 Elite, Enfield has definitely improved the quality of Trojan basketball.

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

USC is currently 3-1 in the conference which includes a win over #7 Arizona in a game that went to 4OTs. They are playing some quality basketball, the only problem is that they have not really played quality opponents outside the Pac-12.

UCLA on the other had has been tested by a brutal schedule riddled with Top 25 teams, three of which they beat, including #1 Kentucky. To top it off, this game is at Pauley Pavilion where UCLA has only lost twice in the last two seasons. The only worry is that the Bruins tend to play down to teams, rather than dominate all 40 minutes, so if UCLA looks at his game as a gimme, then USC will shock them.

The Bruins need to enter this contest with the mentality that USC is a Top 25 team (which they nearly are as they are one spot outside the AP Poll).

If UCLA wants to win, they need to stay in control all game long, do not take their foot off the gas, spread the ball around and the big men need to stay out of foul trouble.

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

Additionally, the Bruins need to shut down the Trojans late, who seem to have a hard time closing out games. With that in mind, expect the Bruins to continue to be undefeated against the Trojans in the Alford era.

Prediction: USC 86 – UCLA 88