Rivalry Games of The Week

Nov 25, 2015 by Sarah Moffatt

It’s time. The week we’ve all been waiting for. The week our favorite team goes up against our least favorite team in a fight for the ultimate prize: 12 months of bragging rights. We’re taking a closer look at some of the best matchups we’re thankful for during Thanksgiving weekend.

#22 UCLA at USC(1:30pm ET Saturday, ESPN)
Though the Bruins (8-3) are ranked and the Trojans (7-4) are not, this classic rivalry game, which marks the the 85th meeting between the two SoCal teams, will decide the Pac-12 division. How’s that for stakes?

Last year, UCLA reached their biggest point gap last year in their win over USC for the first time since 1986, which was an elimination game for the Trojans, too. USC has failed to take away... Read More

NCAA Tournament Insider: Snubs, Surprises, Storylines

Mar 16, 2015 by Robb Todd

The basketball gods giveth, the basketball gods taketh away—and dunk one right in your face.

Right, UCLA? Right, Temple? Right.

Temple wasn’t the only snub Sunday but the Bruins were the most shocking inclusion. Here’s a rundown of some other teams that might be more than a little upset that UCLA is in and they are out.

But, hey, let’s look at one of the positives of UCLA’s gift from the committee: it sets up a great storyline with second-round opponent SMU. Former Bruins coach Larry Brown, who led them to a national title in 1980, now helms the Mustangs. This contest is Brown’s first NCAA tournament game since 1988 when he led Kansas to a title, the same year that SMU last won a tournament game.... Read More