The Arizona Wildcats maintain a one game lead at the top of the PAC-12 standings. Can the Washington State Cougars pull off a massive upset and shake things up in the conference?
TV Schedule: Thursday, Feb. 16, 9:00 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
Arena: Friel Court, Pullman, WA
The Arizona Wildcats continue to roll in the 2016-17 college basketball season, as they have only lost three games all season long – all to teams that are currently ranked. The Wildcats have just one loss in PAC-12 play, a blowout road loss to the Oregon Ducks, but still are just one game above Oregon and two above the UCLA Bruins in the race for the conference regular season title. With an extremely winnable last six games on the schedule, Arizona has to just avoid a bad loss to all but guarantee a top two seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
The Washington State Cougars, on the other hand, have a 4-9 record in PAC-12 play and have lost four straight games. After a dismal start to non-conference play, expectations were low for this team, but we didn’t realize how low until they were blown out at home by the New Orleans Privateers. Washington State should finish as one of the worst teams in the PAC-12, and nothing short of a miracle will allow the Cougars to pull off the upset over No. 5 ranked Arizona.
Next: Wisconsin vs. Michigan preview
Is it just me or does it feel like after years of being at the top of national headlines, people are actually sleeping on this Arizona team? Like the Villanova Wildcats from a season ago, Arizona continues to impress week-in and week-out. Keep an eye on the Wildcats, and do not be surprised if this team cruises to the Final Four in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
Prediction: Arizona 80, Washington State 64