Pac-12: Five Conference Games to Watch
By Daniel Tran
Feb 8, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans center D.J. Haley (33) dunks the ball as UCLA Bruins guard Jordan Adams (3) and forward David Weara (12) defend at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
UCLA Bruins at USC Trojans, January 14, 2015
Looks like the Pac-12 Conference gods are shining down on fans early this year, providing viewers with one of the great college rivalries sooner rather than later. No matter where they are in the standings, both the players and the fans of both USC and UCLA would love to secure bragging rights to determine who is the best school in the City of Angels.
The UCLA Bruins have had one of the toughest schedules in the nation so far, facing North Carolina, Gonzaga, and Kentucky in a one-month span and earning an 8-5 record heading into their conference schedule. The USC Trojans, who despite having one of the weakest schedules in the country, have an 8-4 record coming into conference play. However, those records can be thrown out the window because this game is going to be a great matchup, especially between the two star guards.
Sophomore guard Bryce Alford has been running the show for the UCLA Bruins offensively, leading the team with 17.5 points. He is also averaging 6.1 assists per game, which is good for third in the Pac-12; two spots ahead of USC freshman guard Jordan McLaughlin.
Jordan McLaughlin has been a shining star for a young USC team looking to improve upon a 12th place finish in the Pac-12 Conference last season. In the 12 games that he has played, McLaughlin has been averaging 13.3 points and a Pac-12 freshman leading 5.2 assists.
The Battle for Los Angeles continues this night with Alford and McLaughlin leading their respective teams.
Next: Utah vs. Washington