Wildfires are unpredictable and their devastation isn’t limited to just the land they burn. Sometimes, the ripple effect reaches even the world of sports. The Latest example? Several games from NFL to NBA to horse racing are rescheduled due to South California’s natural disaster. But, for Northwestern women’s basketball team, it had a huge price to pay.

The Wildcats were originally scheduled to visit Pauley Pavilion on January 12th, followed by the Galen Center on the 15th. Given that the Wildfires had only started three days before and were yet to be contained, Northwestern’s concern was considerable. However, eyebrows were raised when both Iowa’s men’s team and Penn State’s women’s basketball team traveled and played that same week.

Now, months in, the Big Ten made it official—those unplayed games are now forfeits for Northwestern as per the Conference rules.

“The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday that Northwestern’s women’s basketball contests at UCLA (Jan. 12) and at USC (Jan. 15) will not be rescheduled… Per Conference rules, forfeitures will be assessed to Northwestern. As a result, the Wildcats will receive two losses in the conference standings, while UCLA and USC will each be credited with a win,” Ben Stevens of Sports Grid reported.

But they weren’t the only sports team to cite safety measures in postponing the game.

The LA Lakers had to reschedule 2 of their games due to the calamity, while NFL postponed one of their playoff matchup. NBA has previously too considered rescheduling due to winter storm in Atlanta. But elevating the case for Big Ten is the fact that the UCLA reportedly mentioned that the wildfires weren’t posing a threat to the campus and even offered a different venue to play at. Not taking up the offer certainly has cost the Wildcats.

But the Northwestern women’s basketball team didn’t take the decision lightly. They defended their choice, emphasizing the well-being of their student-athletes.

“While we acknowledge that bylaws and rules are in place for a reason and we will abide by them, it does not diminish this team’s sound reasoning for not participating during this natural disaster,” Northwestern athletic director Mark Jackson said in a statement.

This is a huge blow for the Wildcats sitting at 9-17. However, their appeal didn’t change the Big Ten’s stance. But there’s a silver lining—for Juju Watkins and company, as well as their crosstown rivals, UCLA.

After the Wildcats’ forfeit games, the battle for the Big Ten’s top spot heats up

The Big Ten’s decision unexpectedly benefited both teams. It may not have been the way they expected to climb the rankings, but in a season where every game matters, they’ll take it.

USC now stands first in the Big Ten with a 25-2 record and ranks No. 4 in this week’s AP poll. No doubt, this strengthens their case for a deep March Madness run. Now, they have just one game left in the regular season—against UCLA.

Coming off a six-game win streak after their loss to Iowa, USC is as dominant as ever. Their schedule has also been favorable, as they hosted both games last week. Meanwhile, UCLA still has another road trip to finish against Wisconsin. The Bruins currently stand second in the conference at 26-1—one loss fewer than the Trojans—giving them a chance to take over the top spot.

Now, USC vs. UCLA is one of the most anticipated matchups. The last time these teams met, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day, Juju Watkins and her squad knocked off then-No. 1 UCLA with a 71-60 victory. It was a historic win, marking the first time since 1983 that USC defeated a top-ranked team.

With experience and a talented roster, the Trojans are favored to win again. But don’t count out UCLA—they’re hungry for redemption and just one victory away from reclaiming the top spot.

The Trojans snapped their rival’s undefeated streak last time. Can they do it again?