UCLA vs. Washington: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

With both UCLA and Washington picking up wins in the opening night of PAC-12 Basketball, this game will give the winner a head start in the regular season title race. Who moves to 2-0?

TV schedule: Sunday, Dec. 31, 8:00 p.m. ET. PAC-12 Network

Arena: Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California

Throughout most of the non-conference schedule, the UCLA Bruins 10-3 (1-0) were struggling on and off the court. But recently, Steve Alford settled the China shoplifting scandal by suspending the two remaining players for the rest of the season.

The next significant moment came in the CBS Sports Classic when the Bruins picked up an 83-75 signature victory over Kentucky. With a newfound positive momentum, UCLA headed into PAC-12 play where the team took on the Washington State Cougars.

After Washington State stayed close with the Bruins for the first 30 minutes, Aaron Holiday took over and led UCLA to a 96-82 win. The junior point guard led all scorers with 33 points, playing the entire game. Freshman Jaylen Hands chipped in 19 off the bench.

It was an expected win for UCLA while Washington 11-3 (1-0) scored an 88-81 upset road win at USC. It was the offense that led the way against the Trojans, with the Huskies shooting a blistering 67% from the field for the game. Noah Dickerson led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Dominic Green and Jaylen Nowell each chipping in with 16 a piece.

The USC win is second only to beating previously No. 2 ranked Kansas in terms of most impressive wins of the season, with the team, in general, looking much improved from a year ago under first-year head coach Mike Hopkins.

The top two teams in the PAC-12 are likely facing each other this weekend in Arizona and Arizona State, but the Trojans’ loss means that the No. 3 spot is certainly up for grabs. And while these two teams each have their flaws, the explosive offenses the Bruins and Huskies possess makes them viable contenders in the down-year for the league.

Next: 5 PAC-12 questions for beginning of league play

This should be a fun and exciting game featuring a ton of offense, with the battle between Dickerson and Thomas Welsh of UCLA down low a key factor in deciding the outcome of this game. The Huskies already achieved a rare road win in conference play, so why not double it up, with a Los Angeles basketball sweep.

Prediction: UCLA 85 – Washington 88