Tomorrow is the basketball game that everyone is waiting for: a Top 5 battle between UCLA and Arizona. But, before the schools can play that game, their women’s basketball teams have to play tonight.

UCLA closed out the regular season at home against the Washington schools where they swept the weekend to continue their dominance at home. First, they defeated powerhouse Washington and, then, did the same with Washington State. They played what could possibly be their best basketball last weekend. Now, they face an Arizona school who has seen nothing but heartbreak all season long. Tonight will be a tough one for the Wildcats having to face a Bruin team who has shown no mercy in past meetings. At this point, a loss would be nothing but disappointment as the season winds down.

Back in late January, the Bruins and the Wildcats met in Los Angeles. The Bruins defeated the Wildcats by 20 points, 69-49. This time, UCLA travels to Arizona and history looks to repeat itself. Arizona has had a tough season. They’ve lost more games than won. The Wildcats have, however, already won one more conference game than last year. That said, tonight’s game will not be an easy one for the Wildcats.

While it’s usually Jordin Canada’s name popping up everywhere, this time it’s Monique Billings. Billings has always been consistent, but last weekend was something else for the junior. She tied a single-game record of 25 rebounds and pounded the glass all night long en route to adding another double-double to her list. The Wildcats will have their hands full with her.

While the Bruin offense continues to bulldoze on through, their defense has been a bit questionable. Yes, they have been able to slow down some powerhouse offenses, but their defense is not as consistent their offense. One week they play amazing defense and then the next its like they haven't played in weeks. It gets frustrating seeing this happen to a team that has immense potential. Now, this will not likely happen against an Arizona team, but a sweep in Arizona is a must before they head to Seattle for the Pac-12 Tournament.

The Bruins just need to go out tonight and, once again, show the Wildcats no mercy. Then, hopefully, the men’s basketball team will go out and do the same thing tomorrow evening.

#15 UCLA Women’s Basketball (20-7, 11-5)

Opponent: Arizona Wildcats (13-14, 4-12)

When: Friday, February 24, 2017, 5 pm PT

Where: McKale Center, Tucson, AZ

TV: Pac-12 Networks Los Angeles and Arizona with Cindy Brunson and Maylana Martin Douglas

Live Stream: Pac-12.com and Pac-12 Now App

Audio: uclabruins.com

Live Stats: University of Arizona Stat Broadcast

Official Game Preview


GO BRUINS!!!