UCLA hosts crosstown rival USC after Dailey's big game

The Bruins and Trojans face off in a key Pac-12 matchup on Tuesday night.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:51am

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The UCLA Bruins will host the USC Trojans in a crucial Pac-12 conference matchup on Tuesday evening. The game comes after UCLA guard Jaime Dailey had a standout 20-point performance in the Bruins' previous game.

Why it matters

This matchup between the two Los Angeles rivals holds major implications for their Pac-12 standings and NCAA Tournament hopes. Both teams are currently 18-9 overall, making this a pivotal game in the race for positioning in the conference.

The details

The Bruins are led by junior guard Jaime Dailey, who scored 20 points in UCLA's last outing. The Trojans, meanwhile, have been paced by their veteran frontcourt duo of forwards Tyrone Walker and Malik Simmons.

  • The game will tip off at 11 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 23, 2026.
  • Dailey's 20-point performance came in UCLA's previous game on February 21.

The players

Jaime Dailey

A junior guard for the UCLA Bruins who is the team's leading scorer.

Tyrone Walker

A senior forward for the USC Trojans who anchors their frontcourt.

Malik Simmons

A senior forward for the USC Trojans who pairs with Tyrone Walker in the Trojans' starting lineup.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge game for both teams as we try to improve our Pac-12 standing and NCAA Tournament resumes.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach (Yahoo Daily News)

“We know we'll have our hands full trying to slow down Dailey, but we're confident in our ability to match up with them inside.”

— Andy Enfield, USC Head Coach (Yahoo Daily News)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a higher seed in the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament.

The takeaway

This crosstown rivalry matchup between UCLA and USC has major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations, making it a must-watch game for college basketball fans.