Pac 12 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

Right now there are no Pac 12 teams that are safely in the tournament. So this tournament is very important to see who will represent the Pac 12 in the tournament. I think there are still 4 teams that have a chance to make the tournament. Who do I predict to win the Pac 12 tournament? Find out below along with my picks for every game.

Top 5 players

1.Jared Cunningham, Oregon State (Jr.) – Cunningham is one of the most explosive players in the country. Cunningham is the Player of the Year in the Pac 12. He leads the Pac 12 in points (18.6) and steals (2.8). He also averages 2.8 assists.

2.Tony Wroten, Washington (Fr.) – Wroten is doing it all as a freshman. This season he is averaging 16. 3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2 steals. He is the third leading scorer in the Pac 12.

3.Devoe Joseph, Oregon (Sr.) – The Minnesota transfer is 3rd in the Pac 12 in scoring with 16.8 points per game. Joseph is making 2.4 threes per game while shooting 45 % from three. He also averages 3.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

4.Terrence Ross, Washington (Soph.) – For the season Ross is averaging 15.3 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game. He is also making 1.8 threes per game.

5.Brock Motum, Washington State (Jr.) – Motum is 2nd in the Pac 12 in scoring with 18.1 points. Motum also shoots 38% from three and pulls down 6.5 rebounds per game.

NCAA Tournament

Locks for the Tournament: None

On the Bubble : California, Washington, Arizona, Oregon

1st round

Washington State/ Oregon State – This is a game that will come down to which star will out duel the other. Oregon State’s Jared Cunningham has averaged 27 points against Washington State. Washington State’s Brock Motum has averaged 25 points against Oregon State. Washington State has beaten Oregon State 4 straight times, make that 5. Faisal Aden will also have a big game for the Cougars.

UCLA/ USC- UCLA has won 4 of their last 5 conference games. They have also not lost since the negative Sports Illustrated article came out about UCLA. USC might be the worst team in college basketball. They have lost 18 out of their last 19 games. This game won’t even be close, as UCLA will roll to victory. I think UCLA has a little of their swagger back.

Stanford/ Arizona State – Stanford has beaten ASU 4 straight times including the last game, which was a 24-point blowout. Stanford is coming off a very impressive win over Cal. Arizona State has been deleted by injuries and suspensions. I see Stanford with another blowout victory here. Josh Owens will dominate down low and freshman guard Chasson Randle will dominate on the perimeter.

Colorado/ Utah – Yes, Utah is just as bad as USC if that is possible. I have no idea what happened to the state of Utah basketball. Their last game they were down 30-2 to Oregon. Colorado already beat Utah this season 77-33. This game will be just as bad as Colorado rolls. Utah will have no answer for Andre Roberson. The Buffaloes have a pretty good season after losing 4 starters.

Quarterfinals

Washington/ Washington State – Washington really needs this game. If they win I think they will be safely in the big dance if they lose I think they might be on the outside looking in. Washington won the two meetings this season by 4 and 10 points. At the end of the day I see Washington winning again. They just have more players that can have a big game. Terrence Ross had 30 points against the Cougars the first time around and in the second game Tony Wroten had a big game. The Cougars don’t have the guards and aren’t athletic enough to stay with the Huskies.

Arizona/ UCLA – Right now Arizona is not on the right side of the bubble. They need this game badly. The two teams spilt during the regular season. They played about a week ago with Arizona winning thanks to a late three by Kyle Fogg. I just think Arizona  has too much to play for not to win this game. I see Fogg and Jesse Perry having a big game for the Cats. UCLA is playing better of late but there is still something missing to me.

California/ Stanford – The rivals meet again after the Cardinal just beat Cal in the last regular season game. The loss for Cal cost them a chance at the Pac 12 title. Right now I think Cal is the safest of all the Pac 12 teams on the bubble, so if they lose this game I still think they would be in. Still with a win they can 100 % lock up a bid. Pac 12 player of the Year Jorge Gutierrez had a rough game last time out against Stanford I see him bouncing back and leading California to victory. I think Allen Crabbe and Harper Kamp will also have big games.

Oregon/ Colorado – These two teams spilt during the regular season, the Ducks won the latest game in a high scoring affair. The Ducks will likely need to win this tournament if they want to go dancing. I really think they are capable of this. Ever since Devoe Joseph has been in the starting lineup this Duck team has gone to another level. Joseph had 24 points the last game, and look for him to have another big game and lead Oregon to victory. Look for Garrett Sim to hit some key threes also.

Semifinals

Washington/ Arizona – The Huskies beat  Arizona twice this season. I think that it will be three times this season, as the loss will send the Arizona Wildcats to the NIT. I just think Washington  has  better players and athletes than Arizona. The Huskies have three players that can score 20 plus points any night. Terrence Ross had 25 points and Tony Wroten had 22 the last time the Huskies meet the Cats.

California/ Oregon – After a win over Stanford Cal will safely be in the tournament. Oregon will still have work to do. I think Oregon will have a lot more to play for and this will show in their play. Even though Cal won twice during the regular season I see Oregon winning this game. Oregon’s stars Devoe Joseph and E.J. Singler will have big games.

Finals

Washington/Oregon - This will be a very exciting final. If you like up and down basketball this is the game for you. Both teams split their meetings during the regular season. Shocking, both teams won by blowouts. Oregon won the last meeting 82-57. I like Oregon to win the Pac 12 title in a very close exciting game against Washington. With the win the Ducks will secure a bid in the NCAA tournament. Even though they lost I still think Washington will be in the big dance. The reason I like the Ducks to win is Devoe Joseph. He is just a flat out scorer. Since being in the lineup the Ducks are 18-6. Also don’t forgot about E.J. Singler who will also have a big game. The Ducks have won 6 out of their 7 last games.

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