The Pac-12 conference tournament had a successful first day. With 3 of the 4 games coming down to the last minutes, basketball fans everywhere should rejoice; it's a sign that March madness is here.
All of these games will be streamed on Pac-12.com, even those of you that don't have Pac-12 Networks on your TV (DirecTV people celebrate).
1 Arizona vs 8 California 12 PM PT, Pac-12 Networks
Must Reads
Must Reads
California began this tournament with a dominating start, trouncing Washington St. 84-59. The Golden Bears started strong to begin the game, and seemed to only play better as the game continued. Offensively, Cal scored at will shooting a staggering 59% from the field. Surprisingly, the shooting percentage increased to 67% (8-12) from the 3-point arc.
Sadly, California's short run must come to an end. Playing against a superior roster and coach, the Golden Bears do not have the talent or mentality to generate an upset. The Wildcats manhandled the Golden Bears in both meetings this season. Arizona dominated on the road for a 73-50 victory and took care of business at home in a 39-point blowout win.
Watch for the Wildcats to play with extreme physicality and impose their will on smaller California players. In both games this season versus Cal, Arizona had a combined 58 free throw attempts.
Arizona will win. Big.
4 UCLA vs 12 USC 2:30 PM PT, Pac-12 Networks
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After a surprising, come from behind upset, USC will play UCLA in the quarterfinals. The Trojans started slow and couldn't manage anything positive offensively versus ASU, creating a 10 point deficit at half. Fortunately, the lackluster performance by USC last night was overshadowed by the meltdown of ASU, as USC was able to go on a 21-4 run to end the game, ousting the Sun Devils 67-64.
UCLA is led by All-Pac players G Norman Powell and F Kevon Looney. Powell leads the Bruins in scoring, averaging 16.3 PPG. Looney generates an inside presence for UCLA, while adding 12.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG. With a deep postseason run, the Bruins are hoping to build their resume and be invited to the Big Dance. Unfortunately, having a weak opponent in USC creates a lose-lose situation; making this a must win and convincing win for UCLA if they wish to keep their chances alive.
Without the emergence of a legitimate scoring threat, don't expect USC to make any noise throughout the remainder of the tournament. Luckily, the Trojans were able to survive via Elijah Stewart's sudden scoring outburst versus ASU. However, with no consistent scoring threat, UCLA will continue their season sweep of the Trojans.
2 Oregon vs 10 Colorado 6 PM PT, Pac-12 Networks
With newly minted Pac-12 Player of the Year Joseph Young and Coach of the Year Dana Altman, Oregon will look to build on their tournament-worthy resume as they face Colorado. Oregon's offensive attack is led by Young 19.8 PPG, along with fellow All-Pac-12 player Elgin Cook's 13.1 PPG.
Colorado showcased the mental toughness needed to win in postseason play, fighting through a halftime deficit and earning every shot versus Oregon St. The scrappy play and physicality sent Colorado to the charity stripe 26 times, and they made 24 of those. The Buffaloes own All-Pac-12 player, Askia Booker, recorded 20 points, while Josh Scott added 16 points and 14 rebounds to help secure a 78-71 Colorado victory.
Colorado's lack of playmakers will create numerous opportunities for Oregon. And with newly crowned Coach of the Year and Pac-12 POY, Oregon will cruise into the semis.
3 Utah vs 6 Stanford 8:30 PM PT, ESPN
Against Washington, Stanford came out apathetic and emotionless. Throughout the entire game, Stanford had a finished look about them, never fully into the game. Luckily, the Cardinal survived leaning on C Stefan Nastic' 21 points and 5 rebounds throughout the game. That set the Cardinal up for a buzzer-beating opportunity and the win.
However, if the Cardinal show up with the same emotion and aggressiveness, prepare to go home. Utah will not lower their level of play to their opponents. Especially after losing their regular season finale, the Utes will be eager to erase that memory. All Pac-12 G Delon Wright and Brandon Taylor are impatiently waiting for their chance to showcase Utah's potential and determined to create madness in the Pac-12 tournament.