UCLA vs. USC: 3 key storylines to watch for 2020-21 Pac-12 matchup

Bruins continue to play in close games

Seven of UCLA’s last nine games have been decided by five or fewer points. In those games, UCLA has a 6-1 record.

Partially because a very slow tempo Mick Cronin style team favors fewer possessions, UCLA seems to find itself in a nail-biter just about every time out. But, when UCLA is in these games down the stretch, there is a sense of calm among the battle-tested Bruin players.

There is no panic from these guys; they know how to close out games. A lot of the credit must go to Coach Cronin and his staff. It also doesn’t hurt in close games to have a point guard like Campbell who rarely ever shows poor decision making.

USC is just 1-2 this season in games decided by five or less. One of those losses coming to a very good UConn team, and the other coming at Oregon State. USC cannot expect to blowout this UCLA team, and will likely find out what they’re made of down the stretch in this one.

As we inch closer to the big dance (just over a month from selection Sunday!), both of these teams can add a very quality win to their resumes here. UCLA has just three wins of Quadrant 1 or 2 caliber– which is fairly weak. This is an opportunity to pick up a Q1 win and solidify themselves as the top dog in the Pac-12.

For USC, they are 4-2 in those Quadrant 1 and 2 games. Adding another big win here would be huge in terms of seeding and guarantees at least a tie with UCLA, which the second battle between the two teams coming March 6th.