Preview: Oregon Faces UCLA in Early Big Ten Women’s Basketball Showdown LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A marquee early-season conference clash will unfold Sunday when the No. 1-ranked and undefeated Oregon Ducks visit the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. The matchup, the Big Ten opener for both teams, features the conference’s top two contenders and a duel of elite guards. Oregon (10-0, 0-0 Big Ten) arrives as one of the nation’s last remaining unbeatens, boasting an average margin of victory of 28.2 points. UCLA (8-1, 0-0), whose only loss came on a neutral court against then-Texas, has been equally dominant, winning its other games by an average of 28.6 points. The spotlight will be on the backcourt, where Oregon’s Katie Fiso and UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez are playing at an All-American level. Fiso, a dynamic junior guard, is coming off a historic performance in Oregon’s 96-73 win over Oregon State on Wednesday, where she posted 23 points and a program-record 14 assists. Over her last five games, she is averaging 19.2 points and 9.2 assists. Jaquez, a senior wing, counters with explosive scoring ability. She poured in a season-high 29 points in UCLA’s 99-77 rout of Tennessee last Sunday. However, she was held to just four points in the Bruins’ lone loss to Texas, a performance UCLA will need her to avoid against the disciplined Ducks’ defense. Oregon’s high-octane offense, which has scored 90 or more points three times this season, will be tested by a UCLA defense allowing just 58.2 points per game. The Ducks have shown they can win in a shootout, as against Oregon State, or a grind, as in a 58-53 road win at Auburn. “This is why we joined the Big Ten,” Oregon coach said. “These are the environments and challenges you want in December to prepare for March.” UCLA will rely on its home-court advantage, where it is 5-0 this season. A win would provide a massive resume boost and announce the Bruins as a legitimate conference and national title threat. “We’re excited for the challenge,” UCLA coach said. “Oregon is playing as well as anyone in the country. We need to be disciplined, defend at a high level, and match their physicality for 40 minutes.” Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. PST Sunday at Pauley Pavilion. The game will be televised nationally on Fox.