How To Watch, Game Preview and Game Thread: UCLA Bruins at Southern Cal Trojans

Jan 28

UCLA will need Sebastian Mack to step up tonight against crosstown rival Southern Cal. (Photo Credit: Jan Kim Lim/uclabruins.com)

UCLA has had a full week to get over last Saturday’s six-point loss to the Arizona Wildcats. The Bruins had the capacity to win that game and upset the Wildcats in Tucson, but they couldn’t hold onto their 19-point lead and allowed Arizona to come back in the second half.

But the good news is that they showed again they could play against one of the best teams in the country.

Now, they get to play one of the worst teams in the Pac-12. How bad are the Trojans? They have fallen into last place in the Pac-12. Sure, they’re technically tied with Oregon State for 11th place, but the Beavers beat them in Corvalis which means that the Trojans would lose a head-to-head tiebreaker scenario leaving Andy Enfield’s team dead last.

Southern Cal has faltered since both of the team’s starting guards went down with injuries. Freshman point guard Isaiah Collier suffered a fracture to the second metacarpal in his right hand in the game against Washington State on January 10th and he left that game with 12:12 to go. Meanwhile, senior Boogie Ellis played that game with a hamstring injury. While Ellis scored 18 against the Cougs and Collier added 12, it wasn’t enough and Southern Cal fell, 72-64.

That game began what has turned into a four-game losing streak for the Trojans, as they have lost to Colorado and both Arizona schools since the two guards went down.

Now, speculation has it that Ellis may be able to play tonight, but it will likely be a game time decision. If he can go, expect him to play as the fifth-year senior has been a Bruin killer in the past.

If he cannot play tonight, look for sophomore guard Oziyah Sellers to start in his place. With Collier out, expect Enfield to start Bronny James. Just don’t expect to see his dad LeBron at the game because the Lakers are playing Golden State tonight in San Francisco at 5:30 pm.

Let’s look at Enfield’s Trojans.

Starting Five

We know that Collier is out for sure. So, let’s look at what Bronny has done or Southern Cal so far. In eleven games, the freshman from Sierra Canyon has not lived up to the hype. While he’s averaging 5.9 ppg overall, his scoring has improved since conference play began. He’s averaging 6.3 ppg in Pac-12 games, but he’s not exactly burning up the conference. So, if he turns out to be a one-and-done, I expect him to be playing in the G League for the foreseeable future, unless of course his dad pulls strings to keep that from happening. His 38.1% shooting percentage is the eighth-best on the team, though that also means it’s the fourth-worst. His 25% three-point average is the worst on the team. He really isn’t living up to the hype, at least from a statistical standpoint.

Ultimately, Collier’s injury is costing the Trojans at least 7.5 points per game as that’s the difference between what Collier was averaging and what Bronny is averaging.

The Trojans really need Boogie Ellis to play if he can tonight. He’s leading the team with an average of 18.7 ppg. He is their top three-point shooter with a 45.5% three-point percentage. If Sellers gets the start, it will be another big loss of production for Enfield and the Trojans. Sellers is averaging just 6.1 ppg compared to 15.4 for Sellers.

Enfield’s third starting guard will be Kobe Johnson. The junior from Milwaukee is the only other Trojan averaging in double figures with 11.6 ppg. Johnson may be the unsung hero of this team. He’s second on the team in assists with 60 and blocks with 15. He also leads Southern Cal in steals with 37.

Forward DJ Rodman is a grad transfer from Washington State. The son of former NBA player Dennis Rodman is averaging just 7.3 ppg. He is, however, second on the team in rebounds with an average of 4.7 per game.

Sophomore Vincent Iwuchukwu will start at the other forward. He is averaging just 6.1 ppg but he leads the team in rebounds with an average of 4.9 per game.

Analysis

The outcome of this game is likely to be determined by whether or not Boogie Ellis can start. In the event he isn’t, I expect the Bruin defense to stifle the Trojan offense. Without Ellis or Collins, the Trojans will struggle to score and we could see a big win tonight.

If he’s available, then this could be a closer game and could go either way. Ellis has traditionally played well against UCLA. The big question if Ellis can go will be whether he can single-handedly score enough points to get the Trojans past the Bruins.

Listen to the Game With TMB

This evening’s game will be on ESPN2 with Roxy Bernstein and Bill Walton calling the game. If you prefer, you can listen to Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray. Just be sure to right-click on it so that you can open up another tab and have it going while you chat in the comments below. Listen to tonight’s game online.

This is your UCLA men’s basketball vs. Southern Cal Trojans game thread. Here’s how to watch, listen and stream today’s game:

UCLA Men’s Basketball (8-11, 3-5)

Opponent: Southern Cal Trojans (8-11, 2-6)
Series Record: UCLA leads, 146-115
When: 5:00 pm PT, Saturday, January 27, 2024
Where: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
TV: ESPN2 with Roxy Bernstein and Bill Walton
Live Stream: WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app
Radio/Audio
Local Radio: AM 1150 with Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM Ch. 380 (UCLA Call)
Online: uclabruins.com
Live Stats: UCLA StatBroadcast
Game Notes:
UCLA
Southern Cal

Go Bruins!!!

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