[Online exclusive]: UCLA anticipates tough Pac-10 semifinal against USC
By Sam Allen
March 12, 2009 9:54 p.m.
UCLA basketball completely outclassed USC a month ago at Pauley Pavilion and cruised to a 76-60 victory.
But the Bruins do not expect such an easy pace on Friday night when they face the Trojans in the semifinal round of the Pac-10 Tournament. The rivalry rematch tips off at 8:30 p.m. at Staples Center. UCLA and USC students will be admitted for a discounted rate of $10.
"We know USC is playing very good basketball right now," UCLA coach Ben Howland said.
The Bruins reached the semifinal after beating Washington State 64-53 Thursday night. The game moved at a slow, trudging pace as UCLA (25-7) stifled Washington State’s (17-15) top shooters.
The Trojans eked out a 79-75 victory over Cal after squandering a 12-point halftime lead. Junior Taj Gibson starred for USC. The
6-foot-9-inch forward finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Freshman DeMar DeRozan added 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trojans’ (19-12) rebounding dominance proved to be a decisive factor; they outrebounded the Bears, 53-27.
UCLA assistant coaches scouted the USC-Cal game, and Howland said that USC’s rebounding capability was evident.
"We have got to get ready to play a physical game," Howland said.
"(USC) crushed Cal on the boards tonight."
The game will be the third matchup between USC and UCLA this season.
The Bruins also topped the Trojans on Jan. 11.
But this time the Trojans will be fighting for a chance to reach the postseason; they will most likely not reach the NCAA Tournament if they do not win the Pac-10 Tournament and earn the league’s automatic berth.
The Bruins are simply hoping to improve their position. Howland said he thinks his team could receive a No. 3 seed if they win the Pac-10 Tournament.
Regular-season champion Washington (25-7) will meet Arizona State (23-8) in the other semifinal, which tips off at 6 p.m. today.
Semifinal winners will meet Saturday at 3:15 p.m. in the championship game.
PROMOTION: The $10 student rate is a special promotion the Staples Center announced after UCLA defeated Washington State. Students must present a valid student ID in order to receive the discount.
