LA Rivalry Hits the Hardwood

Tonight at Pauley Pavillion the UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans will take their rivalry from the gridiron to the hardwood. While some may say this version doesn't have the same intensity as in years past or that of the football game, it is a game that is of huge importance to both teams. No. 18 UCLA (14-3; 4-2), despite injury issues, is off to its best start in head coach Ben Howland's three years. The Trojans (12-5; 3-3) under first year head coach Tim Floyd, have already matched the number of victories from last season and earlier matched their record for consecutive wins with nine.

Students have been camping out for a chance to catch this game tonight and all indications that the basketball version will be as intense if not more than the slaughter that took place at the Coliseum December 3rd. For those that are keeping score, and LAist certainly is, the winner of this game will gain five huge points in the Lexus Gauntlet Challenge. As it stands USC leads UCLA in the rivalry challenge 25-10.

Photos by Allen J. Schaben and Stephen Dunn via LA Times