PAC-12 CONFERENCE
T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
March 8-11
OREGON
Record: 27-4, 16-2
The Pac-12 has been dominated by three teams all season and it’s likely those three teams will be the only ones with a shot to win the Tournament. The Ducks have the top seed getting the tiebreaker over Arizona and they absolutely throttled the Wildcats in their only Game. And of these three teams, Oregon has the best chance of getting a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament, but would likely need to win this one.
The Ducks won last season and will hope to repeat. To help, they have a favorable run with Utah and California being the only real competition that stands in their way in the semifinals. While both road Games were close, Oregon handled both teams at home and it wouldn’t be surprising if that was the case in Nevada. Oregon has the best odds to win because it has the easiest road to the final.
ARIZONA
Record: 27-4, 16-2
The Wildcats have things a little more difficult. Not only will they get a tough Colorado team in the quarters, but also another rematch with UCLA likely for the semis. Arizona hasn’t looked quite as dominant in the last few weeks so it’ll be hard for anyone to back this team completely. The Buffs will put up a good fight and UCLA just beat the Wildcats in Tucson.
UCLA
Record: 28-3, 15-3
With that said about Arizona, maybe the most important thing for the Bruins is the status of TJ Leaf (sprained ankle). They were fine without him on Saturday, but beating Washington State doesn’t take much as it is. UCLA will likely draw USC in the first Game and that won’t be easy, either, especially if Leaf is out. The Trojans already beat them back in January and that was the last time UCLA lost. But based on offensive firepower alone, there are plenty of reasons to back the Bruins in this Tournament. While they lack depth, especially with Leaf out, they’re rolling at the moment, winning nine straight.
There are a few other teams that deserve mention in the Pac-12, but it’s hard to see any of them beating the above three teams. California will be desperate to win a couple Games as they are on the NCAA Tournament bubble, but it could require three wins: Oregon State, Utah, Oregon. USC is on the bubble as well, but as long as it doesn’t lose to Washington in its first Game, should be fine. Colorado is a long shot, but could change things by taking down Arizona and UCLA in back-to-back Games. Of course, that’s extremely unlikely.
Being on the top of the bracket by itself, Oregon has the likeliest route to winning the Pac-12 Tournament. To further enhance that, the Ducks have already shown they can beat Arizona and UCLA. The question is if they can do that on a neutral floor.