Every week during women’s basketball season, our sports staff will discuss different topics surrounding an upcoming game(s). Today, sports reporters Jonathan Hawthorne, Chris Keizur and Joseph Hoyt discuss tonight’s matchup between Oregon and USC and Monday’s game between the Ducks and UCLA.

1) Who makes more of an impact this weekend off the bench, Drea Toler or Megan Carpenter?

Keizur — Drea Toler is fast, really fast. Speed is something that is crucial to the Westhead system, and in the past couple of games, the freshman has seen an uptick in her playing time. This is partly due to injuries in the backcourt but mostly because Toler has been running the offense extremely well for her team. She will give Oregon that spark once again this weekend coming off the bench.

Hawthorne — Carpenter will have a big impact on this weekend’s slate of games. Coach Westhead always says that this, her junior year, is her year to shine. These last six games of Pac-12 play will see the emergence of Oregon’s next rebounding star. “The system” needs a big player like Carpenter to run efficiently.

Hoyt — Since the injury to Ariel Thomas, Toler’s playing time has increased exponentially. Head coach Paul Westhead talked recently about having three point guards that can play, and he is right. Toler is a mismatch, in regards to speed, against any defender. I think she has more of an impact in this weekend’s series, but keep an eye out for Carpenter. With more playing time, Carpenter’s becoming more comfortable in Westhead’s system.

2) How many double-doubles will Jillian Alleyne record this weekend?

Keizur — Two, no question. Alleyne has proven in her relatively short career at Oregon that she has a penchant for scoring and grabbing rebounds. Last week against Colorado, when she failed to record one, was an aberration. Alleyne is a competitor and I like the matchup against the Los Angeles schools, so yes, two double-doubles.

Hawthorne — Without a doubt, two of them. She had two double-doubles against the LA schools last time they traveled down, so she will undoubtedly start a new double-double streak. She was just one shy in Colorado’s game and nearly secured one at the end. She’s averaging 21.1 points per game while leading the nation in rebounds with 15.3.

Hoyt — Jillian Alleyne’s double-double streak came to a close versus Colorado. However, don’t expect that to keep her from developing another streak this weekend. Alleyne was visibly distraught after the loss to Colorado, more than I’ve seen her after any game this season. I expect her to not only get two double-doubles this weekend but to come out with two of her best performances of the season, especially since she’s from Southern California.

3) Does Katelyn Loper return this weekend, and if so, what kind of impact does she have?

Chris Keizur — Loper will be itching to get back on the court, so we will definitely see her these next two games. As for what impact she will provide, the answer is always the same: shooting. Loper has no fear and unlimited range when it comes to the deep three. Combine that with the green light she has from the coaching staff and it results in plenty of shots from distance. Look for the Ducks to try to get the ball to her early and often.

Hawthorne — I don’t think she does. Generally, Westhead is very up-front with injuries. After the Colorado game, he said he did not have any additional information on her status, which leads me to believe she could be out for this weekend.

Hoyt — The details surrounding Loper’s injury have been weird. We haven’t heard whether she’ll be back or what the extent of her injury even is. If she were to return, Loper could be the presence from behind the arc that the Ducks have been missing out on. Aside from Rowe, three-point range has been a forbidden area for Oregon. Loper is never afraid to shoot, and that’s a confidence that can flow through the entire team.

4) Can the Ducks redeem themselves after being swept out of Los Angeles earlier this season? What’s your score prediction for the games against UCLA and USC?

Keizur — I think the Ducks will win both games this weekend, avenging their earlier losses. This is an Oregon team that’s ready to win some games down the stretch, and they will make a real push headed into the Pac-12 tournament, starting this week. I see the Ducks winning a nail biter against the Trojans and then running the Bruins out of the gym. Oregon will win 76-74 and 88-63, respectively.

Hawthorne — That UCLA game haunted the team for weeks after the trip to sunny Southern California. The Ducks are hungry for revenge. That’s the tone from this week’s practice. Watch for Oregon to pull out a close win against USC on Valentine’s Day and beat the Bruins by more than 10 points at Matthew Knight Arena on Monday.

Hoyt — This is a team about to hit its stride. If Loper is introduced back into the fold, this could be a marquee weekend for the Oregon women’s basketball team. The Ducks could look back at these two games and claim that they made, or broke, their season. I think Alleyne has the two best performances of the season and leads Oregon to a revenge-fueled sweep of the Los Angeles schools. The Ducks will run all over USC and barely hang on to beat UCLA.

Follow Chris Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @jhoyt42