Columnist ArashMarkazi is bringing you live coverage of USC-UCLA. The crosstown rivals are looking to burst the other team’s NCAA tournament bubble
A seven-game win streak and a first-place standing has brought a lot of attention to UCLA’s basketball team. But the Bruins’ focus on their game against USC on Saturday.“I don’t care what they say,” Rakocevic said when asked if USC’s tournament resumé was getting enough attention.
“It’s all just noise.” Bruins coach Mick Cronin has kept with some variation of that message over the course of UCLA’s two-month turnaround, treating every game like “a one-game tournament.” Enfield has only just fully embraced the cliché as the postseason draws near. Both are trying to maintain composure through a make-or-break stretch. But where the Trojans are still seeking validation, the surging Bruins — and their 8-1 record in February — aren’t sliding under the radar any longer.“It’s not going to go to my head,” Cronin said. “The players is another concern. … It’s your job as a coach, you’ve got to make sure your team’s feet get back on the ground.” USC’s best hope of keeping its soaring rivals grounded involves its star freshman. Onyeka Okongwu was a victim of early foul trouble and quickly became inconsequential in their first meeting, finishing with a season-low four points. That won’t fly this time around in what’s likely his final game at Galen Center. Okongwu’s coaches and teammates have already accepted his one-and-done fate as a foregone conclusion. So Saturday presents an opportunity for the big man to put a stamp on his sole season at USC. “I’ve been saying since literally the first game that this kid was going to be a lottery pick,” Rakocevic said. That fawning attention has been there all season for their star freshman. With the tournament looming and their NCAA tournament status uncertain, now is the time for the Trojans to prove they’re deserving of the same.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
3 UCLA students are tested for coronavirus and are in self-isolation off campusThree UCLA students are being tested for the coronavirus by the Los Angeles County Departement of Public Health, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block told students in a message early Friday morning.
Read more »
Coronavirus spurs cancellation of Nowruz festival at UCLA celebrating Iranian new yearThe Farhang Foundation cancels its annual Nowruz Iranian new year festival at UCLA, which last year drew 25,000 people last year.
Read more »
3 UCLA Students Being Tested for CoronavirusThree University of California, Los Angeles students are being tested for the coronavirus, the college announced Friday
Read more »
Amid coronavirus concerns, USC will test online classes next weekAmid coronavirus concerns, USC will test online classes next week
Read more »