In Indianapolis, UCLA’s star center Lauren Betts, alongside her team, capitalized on a five-day interval to introspect on their deficiencies, execute necessary adjustments, and enhance their strategies to triumph over the second-ranked Southern California. This opportunity presents itself now in the Big Ten Tournament. The setting is primed for an intriguing face-off on Sunday, featuring the top two regular-season teams and notable Los Angeles rivals, in a contest likely to be one of this season’s standout women’s basketball games.
Reflecting on their Saturday’s commanding 75-46 victory against 13th-ranked Ohio State, Betts expressed determination. “A lot has to be different,” she remarked, emphasizing the necessity for change in their upcoming title game performance. They aim to avoid a repeat of a previous disheartening encounter. This third installment in their rivalry adds layers of familiarity intertwined with the potential for dramatic narratives.
Historically linked as Pac-12 adversaries, their maiden Big Ten season has been a battle for supremacy and prestige. Southern California (28-2) achieved a season sweep over UCLA (29-2), edging closer in their aspirations by climbing to the second spot in the Associated Press ranking following a regular-season crown clinching win at Pauley Pavilion. This peak in ranking has ignited speculations of their potential first national championship win since Cheryl Miller steered them to consecutive titles in the 1980s.
For UCLA, success came against all foes except the Trojans. Their mid-February 71-60 loss at USC, followed by an 80-67 home defeat in last Saturday’s clash, punctuated their season, slipping them from the top rank. Nevertheless, they are now bracing for a fresh bout, possibly not the last in this year’s saga, with UCLA yearning for redemption, while USC maintains a guarded approach.
Trojans coach Linsday Gottlieb humorously deflected the suggestion of finding a preference in an opponent before their second semifinal game commenced. For Southern California, the narrative isn’t solely about metrics. JuJu Watkins, an All-American guard and the Big Ten Player of the Year, leads a tenacious USC unit on a nine-game winning streak. They’re overcoming various obstacles, from health struggles to foul predicaments, and even some mediocre performances in Indiana.
Good news for the Trojans includes the return of forward Rayah Marshall. Having sat out the Friday quarterfinal due to illness, Marshall’s return saw her contribute nine points and three rebounds in their 82-70 triumph over fifth-seeded Michigan. Yet, sharper play than demonstrated in the initial tournament games is required by Sunday.
“Our players have an intense competitive drive and a sheer will to win,” Gottlieb stated. Specifically, players like JuJu and Kiki Iriafen complement their talents with a ferocious competitiveness, culminating in plays that defy convention. Both players have been pivotal, tallying 45 points and 22 rebounds together on Saturday, each achieving double-doubles in back-to-back games.
UCLA’s players have equally concentrated their efforts. The Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, Betts, secured 12 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes in Saturday’s game. This came on the heels of her previous dominant 28-point, 13-rebound, seven-block, and five-assist outing against Nebraska. Garnering support from teammates such as Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA enters the third match in three days set strong, potentially better rested.
The stakes of Sunday’s outcome could influence the national player of the year discourse, yet much more is on the line. “There are many dimensions to this,” UCLA coach Cori Close stated, acknowledging various layers of competition and rivalry, underscoring their stakes and challenges. As competitors, UCLA aims to confront the best, long after overcoming past setbacks, propelling them into deeper realms of growth and perseverance.
