North Carolina Versus Duke? Try UCLA Versus USC

In about half an hour, L.A's sold-out Galen Center will host USC and its arch nemesis, UCLA - you know, the same school that brazenly stole its national football title shot only weeks ago - in a classic grudge match.

In previous years, USC wouldn't have had a chance to seek revenge. UCLA has always been the hoops powerhouse, USC the poor relation.

But times are changing. Under the leadership of coach Tim Floyd, and with Taj Gibson, one of the best freshman players in its history, USC is poised to contest that supremacy.

In fact, USC beat the same team, Oregon, that pushed 14-1 UCLA out of first place last week. USC and UCLA are currently tied for third place in the PAC Ten.

Where does this matchup stand compared to other historic rivalries? Floyd knows they still have a way to go:

"It's certainly not Duke and North Carolina because we have not been as competitive as Duke or North Carolina. It's our responsibility to put the game at that level."

UCLA's responsibility? To shove the ball down USC's throat. After last week's embarassment against the Beavers, they're poised to do just that. Asserts the aptly named UCLA point guard Darren Collision,

"I have a good feeling about the way we're going to come out. The Oregon loss is going to make us strive to improve. I don't think we ever want to experience a loss again."

That means if you're the betting kind, put your money on UCLA.

Either way, this one will be fun to watch.