Here’s a review, and a preview of where things stand right now in Pac-12 basketball.
Arizona: 13-5 (4-1)
Arizona is off to a strong start in conference play, big surprise. Despite a lackluster non-conference display the Wildcats are still strong contenders for the conference crown. A homestand against the Oregon schools is off to a ruff start with a loss against Oregon. Saturday’s matchup with previously unbeaten Oregon State now looms large for the Wildcats.
Arizona State: 12-5 (3-2)
The Sun Devils had a big early season win over a ranked Mississippi State and a strong showing against Nevada in a loss. However, in conference play they have lost at home to Utah and were blown out on the road at Stanford last week. They will need a sweep at home this week in order to move towards the top of the standings and our half way there after knocking off the Beavers in Corvallis.
California: 5-12 (0-5)
The Golden Bears are still looking for conference win number one after being swept at home by the Arizona schools and on the road against the Bay Area teams. Cal has yet to beat a team from a power five conference. After losing to WSU, that first power five win doesn’t look likely.
Colorado: 10-6 (1-3)
Colorado has one conference win, against WSU, and is also their only win against a power five opponent. They played the Huskies tough but an early injury to their team leader was too much to overcome. This week they travel to Utah on Sunday in hopes of building momentum before a trip to the Bay Area next week.
Oregon: 11-6 (2-2)
The Ducks have a good out of conference win against Syracuse but also have a terrible loss to Texas Southern. Throw in conference loses to Oregon State and UCLA in the first two weeks and the Ducks are towards the bottom of the standings. They travel to Arizona this week before hosting the Washington schools next week. This is a talented roster that could get on a roll and a big win against Arizona might have been the spark they needed.
Oregon State: 11-5 (3-1)
The Beavers have been a bit of a surprise to start conference play. Sweeping the SoCal schools and beating their rival on the road. They have played a lot of close games this year but have came out on top more often than not. Traveling to the desert is a tough test and now they’ll need to beat Arizona on Saturday to split the week.
Stanford: 8-9 (1-4)
Stanford doesn’t have much in the line of quality wins but they have played a quality schedule this year. Non-conference loses to UNC, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Florida. They have beaten Seattle and Eastern Washington this year but the Huskies ended their win streak against teams from Washington. They will look to bounce back against the Cougars this weekend.
UCLA: 10-7 (3-1)
Following a bad out of conference season for the Bruins they let Coach Steve Alford go. Since then this team has rallied together and gotten off to a hot start in conference play. They had a great win last week at Oregon in a back and forth affair before being blown out by the Beavers. This week they travel to USC to take on the Trojans. The players have played with a lot of heart following Alford’s dismissal, but conference season is a long haul and I think they are a step below Arizona, Washington, and Oregon State as real contenders for the title.
USC: 9-8 (2-2)
The Trojans got swept by the Oregon schools last week including a 21 point loss at the hands of the Ducks. To make matters worse freshman Kevin Porter Jr from Rainier Beach has been suspended indefinitely for personal conduct issues. This comes on the heels of forward Jordan Usher announcing his intensions to transfer. Bennie Boatwright is still a top guard in this conference but things in Trojan land don’t look great right now with the Bruins coming to town.
Utah: 8-8 (2-2)
The Utes are having a down season. Sitting at .500 overall and in conference they need to get hot in a hurry to be a contender this season. They played Arizona tough on the road losing by just three, but the Huskies held them to just 53 points in a 16-point defeat. They will face Colorado this week hoping to find their identity. The tough defense they are known for has been lacking this season as opponents have scored over 70pts in all but three games this season.
Washington: 13-4 (4-0)
The Huskies have come out hot in conference play. After a decisive home victory in the Apple Cup on the hardwood they swept a road series against the mountain schools. Winning in Utah for the first time I n6 years before beating Colorado without ever trailing. This is an experienced team and they showed their maturity to start conference play. After dismantling Stanford and only turning the ball over SIX times, attention turns to the Golden Bears. If the Huskies win this one it will be their 1,000th win on their current home court.
Washington State: 8-9 (1-3)
The Cougars have struggled so far this season under Ernie Kent. Starting with three games on the road is not an easy task in conference play and they will welcome a return home. A visit from Cal and Stanford who have combined for a 1-7 start in conference play could be just what Kent’s team needs to gain some momentum. They got it rolling with a win over Cal and now Stanford comes to the Palouse liciing their wounds.
