Who wins this weekend? #6 Notre Dame at #3 U$C, #1 SCAR at #5 fUCLA

[Dillon77]

There are a lot of ND alumni in LA. It's going to be interesting to see what the crowd looks like.

ND travels well, as you probably know. Of the 2,300 or so at Lafayette in Easton, Pa., at least 2/3 of the folks there were wearing green or blue, supporting the Irish. Since the Irish won't make many other (any?) trips out to LA this season, Irish fans could be headed to USC.

 

[Dillon77]

I'm very bullish about this year's Notre Dame....when Maddy Westbeld and Liza Karlen are able to play. Right now, that's 2/3 of the Irish frontcourt rotation and, yes, the only ones with more than 4 games of collegiate experience. The freshman with four games -- Kate Koval -- will be playing next to either a very tall guard (Cass Prosper) or an undersized forward (Liatu King). That could be an issue with a talented USC front line (Iriafen, Marshall) and a bunch of tallish guards and wings, led by Ms. Watkins.

Even though it's been against "meh" competition, I think Koval offers a rebounding and defensive presence. If she can stay out of foul trouble, she takes up enough space in the right ways to allow King, Miles and Citron to rebound. And the USC guards are going to be stunned at just how much directed energy will come at them from Hidalgo and Miles. My hope: ND in a tight one. If USC wins in a competitive game, I've got the hope that adding Westbeld will put ND over the top later in the season.

UCLA, if they're going to make a mark, should win this game. Yet, I'm still picking South Carolina. Why? Because they get. it. done.

 

[The deacon]

Well, at least in my case, that's because, from this Stanford fan's perspective, she is "she who shall not be named." Not bitter, not bitter at all...

Wholly understood, my friend. For my part, I'll still enjoy watching her play, but rue that she's not finishing at your school, rather toiling to get the most from playing a lesser role in the JuJu Show.

 

[USMC(ret)]

Although I’m a Gamecock alum, I’m picking UCLA. South Carolina has not played a complete game yet… lots of missed layups, poor 3 point shooting, and we’re still figuring rotations. In our favor— great athleticism, stout defense, and Dawn Staley on the bench. Speaking of bench… we can play 12 without a talent letdown. That helps… but we need to play well in all phases to beat a top 5 team.

Notre Dame beats USC… the Irish are in a mission this year.

 

[visitingcock]

Although I’m a Gamecock alum, I’m picking UCLA. South Carolina has not played a complete game yet… lots of missed layups, poor 3 point shooting, and we’re still figuring rotations. In our favor— great athleticism, stout defense, and Dawn Staley on the bench. Speaking of bench… we can play 12 without a talent letdown. That helps… but we need to play well in all phases to beat a top 5 team.

Notre Dame beats USC… the Irish are in a mission this year.

This fellow Gamecock agrees that UCLA should beat us for the reasons you list plus luck is being stretched thin by the 43 game streak, playing in their home, Raven’s cold streak and Joyce’s inexperience against quality bigs. My eyeball test says that we are not a VERY high quality team - yet - but we can be one by tournament time.

My brain is going with with both home teams to win. Pulling for both visitors.

 

[Bone Dog]

They’re all still pulling themselves together and playing raggedy games. ND is the furthest along in that process and looks the most promising. It will be fascinating to see how Koval does against Marshall. She has a very ‘compact’ game and good low post moves. And she’s a ‘big’ 6’5” kid. I doubt she gets in foul trouble. But the real key is Hidalgo Miles and Citron, and I suspect they will run USC’s guards off the court. Juju will score, as will Kiki, but it won’t be enough.

UCLA is potentially taller at every position than SC, and teams with that much height usually seem to lose to quicker more athletic squads. I have no evidence for this feeling other than to point to Oregon in the Prince years. Also, UCLA is verging on becoming a portal patchwork team. And as ragged as SC has sometimes seemed, I am confident they will rise to this occasion, and the key to this one will probably be some kid from Minnesota.

 

[visitingcock]

I am MILDLY surprised by how little attention this two games are receiving from the LA media. Indeed, I don’t see ANY ( though my search has not been in depth.)

Sure, LAbis one of the world’s biggest media markets and there are many stories to report. However, California’s liberal reputation and feminist tradition would seem to indicate that editors,?producers and writers would pay some attention to local womens sports.

I guess a portion of the blame can still be attributed to the failure of the PAC leadership to promote the region’s collegiate sports.

 

[Bone Dog]

I am MILDLY surprised by how little attention this two games are receiving from the LA media. Indeed, I don’t see ANY ( though my search has not been in depth.)

Sure, LAbis one of the world’s biggest media markets and there are many stories to report. However, California’s liberal reputation and feminist tradition would seem to indicate that editors,?producers and writers would pay some attention to local womens sports.

I guess a portion of the blame can still be attributed to the failure of the PAC leadership to promote the region’s collegiate sports.

The LA Times sports section only covers what the ADs ask them to, and right now that’s football. There’s too much money involved for it to go any other way. Independent reporting is not what happens in the sports section. And the TV news tends to take its cue from print media.

 

[cancontent]

I am MILDLY surprised by how little attention this two games are receiving from the LA media. Indeed, I don’t see ANY ( though my search has not been in depth.)

Sure, LAbis one of the world’s biggest media markets and there are many stories to report. However, California’s liberal reputation and feminist tradition would seem to indicate that editors,?producers and writers would pay some attention to local womens sports.

I guess a portion of the blame can still be attributed to the failure of the PAC leadership to promote the region’s collegiate sports.

Actually, I'm surprised neither game is getting much hype on a national level. I'm not seeing much online or on TV, unless I missed it during a half time segment somewhere. You'd think the buzz around Watkins would prompt the media to talk about it. Head scratcher.

 

[TheFarmFan]

I am MILDLY surprised by how little attention this two games are receiving from the LA media. Indeed, I don’t see ANY ( though my search has not been in depth.)

Sure, LAbis one of the world’s biggest media markets and there are many stories to report. However, California’s liberal reputation and feminist tradition would seem to indicate that editors,?producers and writers would pay some attention to local womens sports.

I guess a portion of the blame can still be attributed to the failure of the PAC leadership to promote the region’s collegiate sports.

LA has always been a pro sports town first and foremost. When the Rams left and they had no NFL team, U$C became the hometown team, and it coincided with one of their most successful eras.

Now, there's two NFL teams (one won the Superbowl a few years ago), two baseball teams (one just won the World Series), two pro basketball teams (and one has the LeBron show), and two hockey teams to boot. Plus U$C football. There's just not a ton of sports fan bandwidth left over, especially for a town whose main jam is an entertainment industry that doesn't naturally care as much about sports anyway.

The one thing the Sparks have going for them is NONE of those sports but baseball are going during their season, so there's a hungry audience. I'm afraid WCBB just has a very hard time competing against all these other options.

 

[visitingcock]

They’re all still pulling themselves together and playing raggedy games. ND is the furthest along in that process and looks the most promising. It will be fascinating to see how Koval does against Marshall. She has a very ‘compact’ game and good low post moves. And she’s a ‘big’ 6’5” kid. I doubt she gets in foul trouble. But the real key is Hidalgo Miles and Citron, and I suspect they will run USC’s guards off the court. Juju will score, as will Kiki, but it won’t be enough.

UCLA is potentially taller at every position than SC, and teams with that much height usually seem to lose to quicker more athletic squads. I have no evidence for this feeling other than to point to Oregon in the Prince years. Also, UCLA is verging on becoming a portal patchwork team. And as ragged as SC has sometimes seemed, I am confident they will rise to this occasion, and the key to this one will probably be some kid from Minnesota.

LA has always been a pro sports town first and foremost. When the Rams left and they had no NFL team, U$C became the hometown team, and it coincided with one of their most successful eras.

Now, there's two NFL teams (one won the Superbowl a few years ago), two baseball teams (one just won the World Series), two pro basketball teams (and one has the LeBron show), and two hockey teams to boot. Plus U$C football. There's just not a ton of sports fan bandwidth left over, especially for a town whose main jam is an entertainment industry that doesn't naturally care as much about sports anyway.

The one thing the Sparks have going for them is NONE of those sports but baseball are going during their season, so there's a hungry audience. I'm afraid WCBB just has a very hard time competing against all these other options.

The Hollywood celebs helped boost NBA visibility. I hope that a few of them and sports celebs like Magic will help boost wbb and its potential celebs like hometown gal Juju and wnba potential celebs like Brink.

Too bad Caitlin’s not doing color commentary.

Yeah, LA is not Hartford, Columbia, South Bend or Knoxville.

 

[visitingcock]

U$C announces sell out for Notre Dame!

Good job Troggans.

November 23 USC Women's Basketball Game Versus Notre Dame Is A Sellout - USC Athletics

This Saturday's women's basketball game (Nov. 23) between No. 3 USC and No. 6 Notre Dame at Galen Center is officially sold out.

usctrojans.com

"USC encourages fans who wish to attend the game to utilize SeatGeek to purchase tickets." https://seatgeek.com/usc-trojans-wo...aa-womens-basketball/2024-11-23-1-pm/17117400

 

[cancontent]

The Hollywood celebs helped boost NBA visibility. I hope that a few of them and sports celebs like Magic will help boost wbb and its potential celebs like hometown gal Juju and wnba potential celebs like Brink.

Too bad Caitlin’s not doing color commentary.

Yeah, LA is not Hartford, Columbia, South Bend or Knoxville.

Magic hasn't been doing much on that front even though he's a part owner of the Sparks from what I can tell. Considering how he dipped out on the Lakers, I'm skeptical sadly.

 

[BruinGold]

The LA Times sports section only covers what the ADs ask them to, and right now that’s football. There’s too much money involved for it to go any other way. Independent reporting is not what happens in the sports section. And the TV news tends to take its cue from print media.

The biggest college football game in L.A., in any year, is being played on Saturday night between USC and UCLA. That's, understandably, drawing most of the "college" oxygen in the room. Frankly, I'm going to a UCLA MBB game tonight, the football game on Saturday, and the WBB game at Pauley on Sunday... and I am exhausted. I have another MBB game on Tuesday. For all y'all who don't live here, that's what's going on.

 

[visitingcock]

Magic hasn't been doing much on that front even though he's a part owner of the Sparks from what I can tell. Considering how he dipped out on the Lakers, I'm skeptical sadly.

he was active on social media last year re Wbb, but I don't know about game attendance. He needs to get a "Jack Nicholson seat" for this game

 

[cancontent]

he was active on social media last year re Wbb, but I don't know about game attendance. He needs to get a "Jack Nicholson seat" for this game

Being active on social media and in attendance at games is one thing. He's been part of the ownership group since 2014 and it seems like he's absent for most of it.

He didn't seem concerned when Fisher basically ran the team into the ground. Don't recall him being concerned when Parker and Gray left. I see him post more about the Dodgers and Washington Commanders than he does about the Sparks. And if he's made any posts about the recent hire if Harding, I've missed it.

This article from Essentially Sports in September indicates that fans are just as skeptical as I am.

Billionaire Magic Johnson Under Fire Again for Poor Ownership as LA Sparks Take a Drastic Step

Magic Johnson faces skepticism from fans after the Sparks’ dismal season and his promises for change amid uncertainty.

www.essentiallysports.com

 

[DefenseBB]

So, to me, this is a mismatch in the battle of wits. Ivey will own Gottlieb even with the deficiency in the front courts and Dawn will run circles around Cori.

I actually think the talent is better for both California schools but both lack cohesive offensive plans and schemes.

ND 78 SoCal 70
SC 77 UCLA 65

 

[donalddoowop]

I think UCLA will win. I also think ND will beat USC because of JUJU not including her teammates enough.

 

[southie]

I'm gonna go with home teams just because . . .

 

[Darwin]

Hopefully ND and Little Carolina pull out victories.

Hopefully the Blue Ducks can play with SC this season.

 

[Darwin]

I'm very bullish about this year's Notre Dame....when Maddy Westbeld and Liza Karlen are able to play. Right now, that's 2/3 of the Irish frontcourt rotation and, yes, the only ones with more than 4 games of collegiate experience. The freshman with four games -- Kate Koval -- will be playing next to either a very tall guard (Cass Prosper) or an undersized forward (Liatu King). That could be an issue with a talented USC front line (Iriafen, Marshall) and a bunch of tallish guards and wings, led by Ms. Watkins.

Even though it's been against "meh" competition, I think Koval offers a rebounding and defensive presence. If she can stay out of foul trouble, she takes up enough space in the right ways to allow King, Miles and Citron to rebound. And the USC guards are going to be stunned at just how much directed energy will come at them from Hidalgo and Miles. My hope: ND in a tight one. If USC wins in a competitive game, I've got the hope that adding Westbeld will put ND over the top later in the season.

UCLA, if they're going to make a mark, should win this game. Yet, I'm still picking South Carolina. Why? Because they get. it. done.

43 straight so far, hope it holds…

 

[Stagnant]

This game is more important for usc. Notre dame can get better. They still have big pieces they will get back.

I just think the Notre dame backcourt will control the game. I am picking the Irish.

 

[triaddukefan]

This was a arse kicking.... My goodness

 

[GoChips20]

This game is more important for usc. Notre dame can get better. They still have big pieces they will get back.

I just think the Notre dame backcourt will control the game. I am picking the Irish.

That’s exactly what happened. Hidalgo and Miles dominated the game and markedly outplayed Watkins.

 

[jdote33]

I'm so high on Notre Dame and not as high on USC. Sonia Citron is as good of a matchup there is for Juju. I think Hidalgo could terrorize TVO in terms of putting pressure on the ball. I do like USC's size and athleticism at the 4 or 5. So I think ND will win and I don't think it will be particularly close. Like they'll win by +6.

I think South Carolina will beat UCLA. I think SC has so much big game experience and UCLA is still kinda in the process of figuring things out. For example,I think Cori Close will start Kiki, even though Elina has been big time all season. I remember probably in 2023 there was a regular season game that was really good between the two schools. And UCLA lost. I think it may have been the game Kiki got a technical late. After the game Charisma Osbourne was super emotional. It was interesting to see how much that game meant to them. So it's undoubtedly a bigger game for UCLA than it is for SC. I do think SC has to lose eventually and it will probably be on the road. I just think it won't be this particular game.

I was so confident in the Notre Dame part. I really wish I would've placed a small bet. Usc is so disjointed and isolation heavy. And Hannah Hidalgo really may be a top 2 player in the country. I thought tvo played well.