Pac-12 Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament Preview
By Connor Hope
Quarterfinals
(1) Arizona vs. (9) Arizona State
The Wildcats easily won the Pac-12 regular season title, and will have all their key pieces for the conference tournament despite the multiple controversies. Arizona State lost both games to their in-state rival by a combined 13 points, and the teams is trending the wrong way. Deandre Ayton and Dusan Ristic should dominate the paint, while Alonzo Trier and Rawle Alkins keep the Sun Devil perimeter shooting in check.
Prediction: Arizona 80 – Arizona State 75
(4) UCLA vs. (5) Stanford
UCLA is once again a high scoring, fast paced team that gives up plenty of points. If Stanford can keep the Bruins scoring in check, the Cardinal could pull off the upset in what would be another rubber match. Aaron Holiday and Thomas Welsh will have other plans, and if Welsh can out rebound the Stanford frontcourt, UCLA should be moving on to the Semifinals.
Prediction: UCLA 91 – Stanford 84
(2) USC vs. (10) Oregon State
USC came into the season expecting to be one of the best teams in the country and challenge Arizona for the Pac-12 regular season title. While the Trojans did finish second, the loss of De’Anthony Melton put the Trojans in a funk that they couldn’t seem to shake. Playing the remainder of the season without Bennie Boatwright will also hurt, but they should still be able to handle Oregon State in this matchup.
Prediction: USC 73 – Oregon State 65
(3) Utah vs. (6) Oregon
Utah has spent most of the season as a team quietly winning game and avoiding the same controversies and fanfare of the other top teams in the Pac-12. Entering the Pac-12 Tournament, Utah has a legitimate shot at leaving with the automatic bid. Oregon and Utah both desperately need to win this game, but the Utes are much more consistent and efficient, which should push them to the Semifinals in a close one.
Prediction: Utah 68 – Oregon 66