The primary spherical of one of many largest rivalries in girls’s school basketball is occurring tonight because the No.6 USC Trojans host the No.1 UCLA Bruins on the Galen Middle.
Right here’s every thing it’s worthwhile to know.
Undefeated sitting at 23-0, UCLA is having its finest season within the historical past of the 51-year-old program. Led by a dominant middle 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 impressive season whereas averaging just 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 not 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 house flooring. SLAM cowl star Juju Watkins is having a sensational season, alongside ahead Kiki Iriafen. Watkins in her second 12 months as a Trojan, averaging just 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 Girls’s School Participant of the 12 months Midseason Group. 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 can be probably the most 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.
Who you bought?