The Bruins will need a big afternoon from Jaime Jaquez in a must-win game. (Photo Credit: John McGillen/uclabruins.com)
After watching the Bruins fold against Oregon on Thursday night, would you believe that UCLA still has a chance to win the Pac-12 title?
Well, they do.
In order to win the Pac-12, the Bruins need to beat the Trojans today. That’s no short order given how Southern Cal crushed the Bruins by almost 20 points when the teams met a month ago.
But, assuming UCLA can find a way to win this afternoon, then the Bruins will need a little help from the Oregon State Beavers. If the Beavs can beat the Ducks tomorrow, it will leave UCLA with a higher winning percentage than either the Ducks or the Trojans. In that scenario, Southern Cal would finish with a .700 winning percentage, Oregon would finish with a .722 winning percentage and the Bruins would finish with a .737 winning percentage.
If the Bruins win today and Oregon State loses, then the Ducks will take the regular season title and the top seed in the Pac-12 Tournament.
Whichever team loses today’s matchup between the Bruins and the Trojans will finish the regular season in fourth place behind Colorado who wrapped up their season with a 14-6 conference mark. The Buffaloes hold the tiebreaker over the Trojans by having beaten them twice and, while they split with UCLA, the Bruins would finish a half game behind the Buffs in the standings if they lose today.
The bottom line today is this: Win today and get either top seed or the 2 seed. Lose today and get the 4 seed.
So, there’s a lot on the line this afternoon for both teams.
Southern Cal Trojans
Since these teams met a month ago, the Trojans have had a rough time. They won their next three games against Washington, Washington State and Arizona State, but they lost three of the next four to Arizona, Utah and Colorado. The only win during those four games came against Oregon at home. Then, Wednesday night, they got to host Stanford and destroyed the Cardinal.
I don’t know if there is a way for UCLA to make Pauley very intimidating without any fans in attendance, but I’m hoping that they can find a way. Or, maybe, just maybe the allure of Pauley with the banners hanging in the air will be enough to will the Bruins to victory and the Trojans to defeat.
Listen to the Game Here on TMB!
The TuneIn player won’t embed here on Substack, but you can open another tab to listen. Today’s game is on CBS with Spero Dedes and Jim Spanarkel calling the game. If you would prefer to listen to Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray call today’s game instead you can listen to today’s game online.
Join your fellow Bruin fans discussing today’s game below.
This is your Southern Cal Trojans at UCLA Bruins game thread.
Radio/Audio: AM 570 in Los Angeles with Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray Satellite Radio: Sirius XM Ch. 385 (UCLA feed) And, of course, here in The Mighty Bruin Game Thread!
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Juzang has a twisted ankle and might be limited
Running low on bodies.
Let's go Bruins
Jules gotta get it done
Do work Jules..
Good start.. let's get some payback..
So far, so good.
Good to see Tyger playing with confidence.. let's goooooo
Loving the defense and offense right now.
We are missing JJ on offense
What’s up with Jake kyman not playing
That was a travel
I guess only the Bruins commit fouls
We are asking tyger to do to much on offense, he needs help
Well we definitely are fighting.. love the effect so far.. let's goooooo....
Way to improvise, Singleton!
Ooh kyman set to check in
Dam sick play
Good Tyger in the first half.
Nice shot JJJ..
I love Clark!
SC has a good team, this would be a big win to end the regular season..
Singleton baby.. nice shot..
Niiice!
Yeah! That's how to finish a half!
Wow great last play!!
One more good half, please’
Please no more collapsing at the end.. we got this #GoBruins
Defense if they don't score we win lolol
We need a real contribution from Cody in the second. No more fouls.
Singleton was a breath of fresh air
Jules needs to take over..
Wow, three on Mobley! Is this the second half thread?
We have tentative players in there now. We must pass with confidence
Campbell kept getting grabbed and held on that play before the under 16 TO. Riley gets hit every time he takes a shot. Refs missing a lot right now
Jules needs to take over..
Yay!
Man Mobley us a beast😤😤
Welp, I have seen this show before🙄🙄
OMG
Phantom foul.
second half adjustments seem to be for other teams lately
Good shot.. let's goooooo
Keep fighting
Tyger!!!!!!!!!
knucle biting time.
Jaime should be getting more shots
Jules!
Singleton is being aggressive.. let's goooooo