Don’t look now, but the Bruins are actually playing defense. Not a lot but some, which is more than they could claim for much of the season. Their games have gone Under in three straight, yet Saturday’s is drawing its second largest total in UCLA’s Pac-12 encounters all year while exceeding the first matchup by two points. The Trojans have surpassed the total in just two of eight road games. C’mon, this is not a 48-minute NBA game.

The Bruins should have the upper hand in their rematch Saturday with the rival Trojans. They got some much-needed momentum with an 82-79 win over Oregon, and followed it with a comfortable win over Oregon State. The Trojans caught UCLA in a flat spot in their first meeting, and used their own hot shooting to post an 84-74 home win. Look for UCLA to return the favor Saturday and win this on by double figures.