The Arizona Wildcats (23-5, 12-3) suffered their first loss in a month on Thursday, falling 65-57 to the USC Trojans. Derrick Williams only scored eight points, his first single-digit scoring performance of the season and his worst outing by far.
Things won't get much easier for UA this afternoon when they take on the UCLA Bruins (20-8, 11-4), a team that could move into a tie for first place in the Pac-10 with a victory today. Both teams appear to be locks for the NCAA Tournament, all the more reason that this game is so important.
Arizona needs to prove to the selection committee that it is deserving of a high seeding. After their loss to the Trojans, a five seed was looking like their best option.
UCLA is coming off a big victory over Arizona State on Thursday, 71-53. After falling behind 21-9, the Bruins turned on the jets and blew the Sun Devils out the rest of the way. Malcolm Lee paced UCLA with 16 points.
Will the Wildcats be able to recover in time for a significant victory at Pauley Pavilion? The Bruins haven't played a ranked team since they defeated BYU on December 18th, and Arizona has already beaten them once this season.
In order to ensure victory, UA will need Kyle Fogg to step up and play well. Scoring only 5 points against USC, Fogg is inconsistent, but often plays a big role in Arizona victories.
This contest tips off at 2:00 p.m. Arizona time. For more coverage of the Wildcats, check out AZ Desert Swarm.