West Coast hoops becoming quite the show
Posted: Friday, January 23, 2009 10:28 AM
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Pac-10
Leave it to Craig Robinson to help bring about some change in the Pac-10.
After partying it up in Washington D.C. Tuesday for his brother-in-law inauguration, Robinson flew into California and led Oregon State to a stunning 69-65 win at Cal.
The Bears had been tied for the Pac-10 lead, but only scored one basket in the final nine minutes. Remember, this was a Beavers squad that was 0-18 last season in the conference. Now, they’re 2-5 after handing Cal its second-straight loss.
"I guess I can say this now, Tuesday was really something special," Robinson said afterward. "But for those guys in the locker room, to come and play the way they did on the week of distractions they had, that shows a heck of amount of maturity and it shows a heck of amount of confidence. I can't be more proud of those guys."
That sets up a huge game Saturday in Seattle between UCLA and Washington. The winner will be all alone atop the Pac-10.
If you didn’t know, hoops on the West Coast is becoming quite the show.
Arizona State (16-3) and Gonzaga (13-4) are among the nation’s most efficient teams. Both are Final Four contenders. The Zags’ biggest WCC competition, Saint Mary’s (18-1), hasn’t lost since November. (That WCC showdown is Thursday.)
The Mountain West is becoming a tight race at the top, with Utah, BYU, San Diego State, TCU and UNLV all eyeing the conference crown.
But the most entertainment from top-to-bottom remains in the Pac-10.
You already know about the Beavers. They’re trying to beat out in-state rivals Oregon (6-13) as the league’s cellar-dweller.
After some boneheaded finishes, Arizona (11-8) isn’t likely to make the NCAA tournament, but remains a talented spoiler for the teams at the top. Washington State (11-7) is probably headed the same way – no NCAAs, but a nasty team for anyone to play.
That leaves six squads with eyes on the Big dance.
Cal’s lost two straight, but the Bears (15-4) have been a pleasant surprise under Mike Montgomery. Stanford (13-3) could be headed for 20 wins under first-year coach Johnny Dawkins. USC (12-6) may have the league’s most athletic roster.
That leaves Saturday’s marquee foes, UCLA (15-3) and Washington (14-4).
The Huskies have rebounded from a 16-17 campaign last season behind the consistent play of senior forward Jon Brockman and the explosiveness of freshman point guard Isaiah Thomas.
It’s hard to state how much that means to this team, which is just four years removed from a 29-win season and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. After beating USC on Thursday, the Huskies were elated to see the Bruins coming to Hec-Ed with first place on the line.
"This feels great just to be in this position," senior Justin Dentmon told the Seattle Times. "We've just got to fight for it to stay in this position."
UCLA isn’t as imposing as the last three seasons, all of which resulted in a Pac-10 title and a trip to the Final Four. But the Bruins have the nation’s most efficient offense and still find ways to win. Only one player (Nikola Dragovic) reached double figures in Thursday’s 61-59 victory against Washington State, but senior Darren Collison was the difference when it mattered. He scored six of his eight points in the final minutes.
“He’s special late in the game,” WSU coach Tony Bennett told the L.A. Times. “One of the best there is.”
Such is life on the West Coast. We’re seeing difference makers in action.
