Listen to players and coaches from UCLA and USC and you wouldn't think Thursday night's Pac-12 Conference basketball rivalry game at the Galen Center was special at all.
Words have been chosen carefully. The sides have been cordial, if bland.
"Just another game on the Pac-12 schedule," USC Coach Andy Enfield said.
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Said USC point guard Jordan McLaughlin: "They're a good team. We're a good team."
Said UCLA point guard Bryce Alford: "It's just a big Pac-12 game.