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 Heart.
Right here’s every part it’s worthwhile to 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 report. Betts in her second yr with the Bruins after transferring from Stanford and is having an impressive season whereas averaging slightly below 20 ppg with 9.7 boards. At 6 ‘7, she is a drive within the paint, too. Rice within the backcourt is averaging 12 and three, however has a presence on the court docket you can’t miss.
After taking their first loss to Notre Dame again in November and a more moderen second to an unranked Iowa, the Trojans wish to prevail, on their dwelling flooring. SLAM cowl star Juju Watkins is having a sensational season, alongside ahead Kiki Iriafen. Watkins in her second yr 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 School Participant of the 12 months Midseason Staff. Watkins in addition to Betts have additionally been named to the John R. Picket Award Late Midseason High 20 Watch Listing.
Given the crosstown rivalry, numbers, and accolades listed above between these 4 names, this sport shall be one of the entertaining watches this season but, setting the stage for the rest of the season and the rematch to come back in a pair weeks. Tip off is 6pm pt.
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