Pac-12 Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions
Quarterfinals
No.1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Oregon State
Oregon is entering the tournament as the number one team in the Pac-12 who are currently on a four-game win streak, which includes Oregon’s recent double-digit victory over Oregon State. Oregon State did manage to defeat Oregon earlier in the year, but with the Ducks coming off of a first-round bye, they will be hard to slow down.
Prediction: No. 1 Oregon (63-53)
No. 4 USC vs. No. 5 Arizona
Both teams have peaked and struggled at different points throughout the season. Both teams have also proven they are capable of beating one another, but this matchup will be dependent upon not allowing turnovers, while also capitalizing on second-chance shots.
Prediction: No. 5 Arizona (82-79)
No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 7 Stanford
UCLA and Stanford both struggled at the beginning of the season and managed to finish the regular season strong. This game might be closer than the seedings suggest. An upset could be likely, but UCLA has developed an offensive rhythm that will be hard for Stanford to adjust to.
Prediction: No. 2 UCLA (65-57)
No. 3 Arizona State vs. No. 6 Colorado
Arizona State is a team that can beat anyone when all of their key players are “on.” However, they have yet to figure out how to slow down and outscore Colorado during their previous matchups where Colorado came out on top. Colorado has struggled the past few games, but they can use their first game against Washington as a chance to make adjustments.
Prediction: No. 6 Colorado (78-73)