Game of the day

Despite playing down to the level of its competition, Southern California (12-2, 2-0) managed to get through its pre-conference schedule relatively unscathed, winning 10 of 12 and losing two games by a combined 3 points to Ole Miss and Northwestern.

UCLA (7-4, 2-0) wasn't as fortunate. The Bruins lost to Northridge and Georgia Tech, and struggled while beating UC-Irvine and Santa Barbara.

As a result, despite identical conference records, USC enters Pauley Pavilion as the higher ranked team in the series for the first time since Feb. 2 ... 1962!

The Trojans are at full strength with the return of guard Jeff Trepagnier, the team's most athletic player. Trepagnier served an eight-game NCAA suspension for breaking the extra benefits rule, extending his initial absence due to a leg injury. His presence gives USC added depth and a safety net for freshman Desmon Farmer, who was thrust into the lineup during Trepagnier's absence.

UCLA has won three consecutive games and five of its last six. The Bruins have gotten improved play from center Dan Gadzuric, who's averaging nearly 15 points and 13 rebounds during the current win streak. A victory over the Trojans would keep UCLA tied with No. 1 Stanford for the Pac-10 lead. USC's Henry Bibby, who played at UCLA, has never won as a coach at Pauley Pavilion, where the Bruins are 31-6 against their cross-town rival since 1965-66.

• Illinois' Marcus Griffin vs. Iowa's Reggie Evans -- Griffin (15.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg) doesn't get the attention that his teammates (i.e. Brian Cook, Frank Williams and Corey Bradford) recieve, but he has been the Illini's most consistent performer, leading them in scoring and rebounding. Evans (15.6 ppg, 12.1 rpg), a JUCO transfer, will vie with teammate Luke Recker for Big Ten newcomer of the year honors.
• Oregon's Bryan Bracey vs. California's Sean Lampley -- Bracey (20.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg) excels in relative obsurity. He gets to prove his mettle against Lampley (18.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and also on Saturday at No. 1 Stanford.
• USC's Brian Scalabrine vs. UCLA's Dan Gadzuric -- Scalabrine (16.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.9 apg) combines strength and savvy in the post with a nice touch from the outside. He will be a difficult matchup for Gadzuric, whose knee problems often hinder his production. If the 6-11 Gadzuric is feeling well and can avoid foul trouble, his size and strength make him nearly unstoppable.