TONIGHT / WOMEN

Washington (8-5, 1-3) at USC (5-6, 2-1), 7 -- The Trojans looked ready to make an early push into the top echelon of the Pacific 10 Conference but lost, 72-67, at Oregon State. Now USC faces a team that Coach Chris Gobrecht said, “often gives us fits.” The Huskies have won the last six games between the teams. Senior guard Giuliana Mendiola, the reigning conference player of the year, is having another stellar season, leading the Pac-10 in scoring (20.8 points). Her sister Gioconda (8.2 points) has joined her in the starting lineup. Games against Washington and Washington State this weekend will be played at the on-campus Lyon Center instead of the Sports Arena, which has another event scheduled.

Washington State (4-9, 0-4) at UCLA (6-6, 1-2), 7, KIIS (850) -- After a 3-0 start, reality appears to be setting in again for the Cougars, who have lost seven in a row and nine of the last 10. The latest setback was last Sunday against California, 85-71. “We have to get back to basics,” Cougar Coach Sherri Murrell said. Senior forward Bianca McCall (11.5 points, 6.2 rebounds) is the leading performer for Washington State. UCLA is coming off a 63-57 victory at Oregon, but Coach Kathy Olivier is looking for better overall defense. So far the season is a circle of frustration; the Bruins have scored 735 points and given up 735 points.

-- Mike Terry