<p>Over the past two seasons, the UCLA and USC women?s basketball teams? rivalry has been as competitive as ever. The outcomes of the last five matches have each been decided by four points or fewer. As the Trojans come to Westwood this Saturday, fans can expect another close game.
<br/>While UCLA (9-9, 3-3) has dropped three consecutive close games to the Trojans (9-7, 3-3), UCLA coach Kathy Olivier described both teams as in ?the same position? this season. Both UCLA and USC currently hold 3-3 records in Pac-10 play. ?With rivalry games you never know what?s going to happen,? Olivier said. ?Every year it comes down to free throws or the last minute.?
<br/>Both UCLA and USC are guided by Naismith Trophy preseason candidates in Noelle Quinn and Eshaya ?Shay? Murphy. As the Trojans? senior guard, Murphy leads her team in points, rebounds, and steals. UCLA?s senior guard Quinn is the Bruins? leader in points and assists.
<br/>Both teams also receive plenty of support from other players. Both UCLA?s junior forward Lindsey Pluimer and the Trojans? senior point guard Jamie Hagiya regularly score in the double digits. Meanwhile, UCLA sophomore center/forward Chinyere Ibekwe and USC senior center Chloe Kerr also play key roles in their teams? lineups.
<br/>According to Olivier, the Bruins will need to play good defense and step up their ball control in order to prepare for USC and the increase in energy that comes with a rivalry game.<br/>?It scares me because one of our weaknesses is throwing the ball away when there is a little more energy than usual,? said Olivier.<br/>While both teams are fighting for the fourth-place spot in the Pac-10, Saturday?s game is about more than just basketball. With the intensification of the UCLA and USC competition over the past two years, it?s about pride.<br/>?It?s L.A. and lots of the players face each other in summer league,? Olivier said, describing the rivalry. ?It?s about bragging rights.?</p>