Pac-12 Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament Preview

Semifinals

(1) Arizona vs. (4) UCLA

This could be the best matchup in the entire Pac-12 Tournament, as UCLA will be looking for a resume solidifying win against a team that they already beat by 8. Aaron Holiday is the best guard in this game, and should put up plenty of points.

Arizona has a strong frontcourt, between Dusan Ristic and Deandre Ayton, but Thomas Welsh is always a tough matchup. Alonzo Trier and Rawle Alkins will need to play shut down perimeter defense to ensure a win for the Wildcats.

Sometimes hungry teams can overcome talent deficits, and UCLA is a hungry team coming off a huge rivalry win. Watch for the Semifinal upset in this one.

Predictions: UCLA 82 – Arizona 79

(2) USC vs. (3) Utah

This is a matchup between perhaps the most consistent Pac-12 team in Utah and the most erratic team in USC. USC still has the clear talent advantage, even without Boatwright, but Utah’s Larry Krystkowiak is possibly the best coach in the conference.

Without or without Boatwright, USC is just a bad matchup for the Utes, who lost both games to the Trojans by a combined 33 points. Short of an all-time Pac-12 Tournament performance from Justin Bibbins, the Utes will probably be waiting for Selection Sunday after this game.

Prediction: USC 75 – Utah 64

Final

(2) USC vs. (4) UCLA

Does it get any better than this? Then biggest rivalry in Pac-12 sports taking place in the final Pac-12 game of the season. UCLA and USC, at this point, should both be playing for seeding rather than a bid.

This game will get heated and play is bound to get physical. Without Boatwright, the advantage is put in the Bruin’s favor, who beat the Trojans in the previous two matchups.

Next: Busting Brackets Bracketology

USC will be looking for revenge after their home loss to their rival, but Aaron Holiday’s steady hand Thomas Welsh’s strong play around the basket and in the mid-range, should help UCLA hold on for the title.

Prediction: UCLA 81 – USC 7