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

The last time UCLA and USC played each other, the Bruins prevailed in a close battle. Will the Trojans get revenge in this bubble battle?

TV schedule: Saturday, March 3, 10:15 p.m. ET. ESPN

Arena: Galen Center in Los Angeles, California

It’s the regular season finale for the UCLA Bruins 19-10  (10-7). Their coming into it having lost both games in the very tough road trip to at Utah and Colorado. That caused them to drop in the First Four Out in our latest Bracketology (ironically, right next to those same Utes that put them there).

The chances for good wins are running dry, but thankfully for Steve Alford and the Bruins they have a game with their rivals to help with the resume.

USC 21-9 (12-5) was in the same situation as the Bruins were not too long ago, having lost three straight games on the road. The Trojans have since recovered, winning four games in a row. Although none of those victories came against teams projected to be in the NCAA Tournament, it’s helped pushed them to a 10 seed in our bracket.

One thing in USC’s favor is that they were able to sweep Utah and Colorado on the road, with Jordan Usher and Chimezie Metu scoring 14 points each in the win over the Utes.

In the earlier meeting between these teams, UCLA was able to win at home, 82-79. The seniors led the way, with Thomas Welsh and Aaron Holiday scoring 21 and 23 points respectively. From the Trojan’s side, Elijah Stewart had 20 to keep them within a possession of possibly winning.

Next: March Player of the Year rankings

This game could potentially seal USC’s fate into the NCAA Tournament with a win, and then avoiding a loss in the first game of the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament. For UCLA, they’ll have to win this game, and then at least a couple more for them to feel safe about their chances. But I like them to get a step closer to that, pulling off the season sweep.

Prediction: UCLA 83 – USC 78