Pac-12 Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament Preview
By Connor Hope
First Round of the Pac-12 Tournament
(8) Colorado vs. (9) Arizona State
Arizona State has not looked as strong as they were in the non-conference, finishing with an 8-10 conference record. Colorado appears to be the ultimate spoiler, also finishing with an 8-10 record and sporting early home upsets over Arizona and Arizona State. Arizona State desperately needs a win to keep their tournament resume from falling to the wrong side of the bubble, and their seniors should step up to the next level.
Prediction: Arizona State 78 – Colorado 75
(5) Stanford vs. (12) California
Rivalry matchups in conference tournaments are usually fun, and the matchup between Stanford and Cal is no different. The teams traded close wins this season, and this game is bound to entertain, even if Cal is one of the worst major conference teams in the country. Cal has nothing to lose, but Stanford will be desperate to make a run at the automatic bid in the Pac-12.
Prediction: Stanford 77 – Cal 72
(7) Washington vs. (10) Oregon State
What Mike Hopkins has done in one season at Washington deserves recognition and praise; however, the Huskies fell off toward the end of the season. Oregon State has disappointed for most of the season, but was able to win 4 of their last 8 games to maintain a .500 record overall. Washington desperately needs to win this rubber match to maintain their tournament chance. Oregon State, on the other hand, has nothing to lose.
Prediction: Oregon State 84 – Washington 82
(6) Oregon vs. (11) Washington State
The Oregon Ducks have been in a rebuilding year and are in serious danger of missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012. Washington State just barely missed out on being the worst team in the Pac-12 this season. The Ducks have their backs against the wall and the talent to make a run in the Pac-12 Tournament if they can get some momentum going in this game.
Prediction: Oregon 82 – Washington State 72