This weekend’s UCLA-USC sports competitions may very well determine the winner of the Lexus Gauntlet in 2009. With only five points separating the two schools, the three events this weekend will likely decide what has been a tight race for the trophy all year.
The Lexus Gauntlet trophy is an award bestowed upon the winner of the all-sports competition between UCLA and USC. Currently, the Bruins trail the Trojans, last year’s winner, 50-45.
On Saturday, UCLA women’s rowing, women’s track and field, and men’s track and field will compete against their counterparts in the crosstown rivalry and decide this year’s winner.
There are several potential scenarios that could unfold:
USC could win all three events. Each sport is worth five points, and the winner needs 57.5 points to claim the title outright. Therefore, if the Trojans win all three events, they would have 65 points and there would be no opportunity for the Bruins to fight for the cup in the postseason.
If UCLA wins two events and USC takes one, the competition would be locked at 55-55. Assuming the Trojans don’t recapture any points in postseason meetings, the Bruins hold the tiebreaker and would take the trophy because they have one more head-to-head regular season win.
If the two schools split decisions in their matchups during the year, then each school gets 2.5 points. But if the two teams meet in the postseason, the winner of the postseason match reclaims the 2.5 points it lost earlier in the year.
If the reverse situation occurs and USC wins two events to UCLA’s one, the Trojans will have 60 points by the end of the weekend and will have secured the trophy.
Finally, if UCLA wins all three events, it would end the year with 60 points and rights to the Lexus Gauntlet for 2009.
Compiled by Sara Salam, Bruin Sports senior staff.