Local Teams Hoping for Big-Time Day : College basketball: USD and USIU travel for games with ranked teams, and SDSU plays host to USC for the first time in 50 years.

After three consecutive losses--to No. 15 St. John’s, South Alabama and San Diego State--things do not get any easier for USD against UCLA.

In fact, it has never been more difficult. The Toreros will be playing their highest-ranked opponent ever and making their first visit to Pauley Pavilion, where the Bruins are 351-37 (90.5%) in 25 years.

UCLA returns four starters, including what many feel is the best forward combination in the West.

Trevor Wilson, a 6-foot-8 senior, is a two-time All-Pac 10 selection and conference rebounding leader. He is averaging 17.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.

Don MacLean, a 6-10 sophomore, was the Pac 10 freshman of the year and is averaging 20 points and 6.7 rebounds.

Add to that returning starters Kevin Walker (6-10 senior center) and Derrick Martin (5-11 sophomore point guard) and a recruiting class ranked in the top five nationally.

John Jerome leads USD in scoring (18.3 points per game) and rebounding (8.0). Today’s game marks the end of USD’s longest road swing at five games. The Toreros play their next eight at home.