Mar 13, 2008

Much is at stake in men's tourney

By Gordon Kass / Daily News Correspondent

LOS ANGELES - In previous years, the Pac-10 men's tourney was often an afterthought. One year, there was a belief that Arizona's Lute Olson preferred to rest his players rather than go all-out to win (and they were upset early). Last year, UCLA was eliminated in its first game by Cal but still rode through the desired Western locations in their first four NCAA tourney games toward the Final Four.

This year's Pac-10 tournament, however, comes with the biggest stakes ever.

UCLA and Stanford have a lot to prove. Red-hot USC views the tourney as a launching pad to NCAA tournament success. And Oregon, Arizona and Arizona State are sliding into bubble status and a good showing is probably needed to make the Big Dance.

Stanford lost both games in L.A. last weekend and needs to get back on track. The loss at UCLA was cool as the Cardinal outplayed the Bruins and came within a controversial call of a win. However, a subsequent spanking at the hands of USC showed the Cardinal's vulnerability. Stanford will qualify for The Dance and its seeding could certainly slide up or down a bit, but most importantly, they need to get back to their desired style of play (SC easily outrebounded Stanford on Saturday) and resultant victories.

Stanford's road begins with a difficult first-round opponent: dangerous but inconsistent Arizona. If the Cardinal win, they would likely face Washington State, a semifinal matchup I think they'd prefer over locals UCLA or USC.

UCLA also has a lot to prove. The Bruins swept the Bay Area schools last weekend to take the regular season title but borderline referee calls in both games colored the wins and raised questions about the Uclans - specifically how they almost dropped two in a row at home. Ben Howland's boys probably won't suffer in NCAA tournament seeding but they could sure use a couple strong performances.

For Cal, a frustrating season fraught with close losses finally turned the page Thursday night. UW closed within 79-78 in the final minute, but coming off an out-of-bounds play with just 2 seconds remaining on the shot clock, Ryan Anderson rolled off a DeVon Hardin screen and coolly drained a monumental 3-pointer. Cal's tournament performance likely will not conclude in a title (four wins in four nights?) but beating the Huskies and a hopeful revenge win over UCLA could make the season feel much better. (Still, they're likely NIT bound.) And today's contest should be an afternoon delight.

After the 84-81 win over UW, Cal coach Ben Braun downplayed the rematch with UCLA by saying, "It's not about settling anything."

However, Anderson (22 points and 16 rebounds against UW) added, "Obviously, we were really upset after the game (last Saturday). We know we can come out and beat them."

Added Cal guard Patrick Christopher, who tallied 25 against the Huskies. "Put on your seatbelts," he said.



Men's Basketball Pics:

Thursday quarterfinal: UCLA over Cal by 14. Bears vocal about desire to play Bruins again. Unfortunately, they may have woken up the somnolent Uclans. UCLA defense will be 10 times tougher than last weekend.

Thursday quarterfinal: Stanford over Arizona by 4. Dangerous matchup for Cardinal. Jerryd Bayless and Chase Budinger lead Zona's attack but two Lopezes inside and team defense are the formula that will send Cats home.

Friday semifinal: UCLA over USC by 6. Looks like a blockbuster. Friday night in La-La Land with all the marbles on the table. Watch Bruins smother O.J. Mayo with six players but Davon Jefferson and Taj Gibson can score, too.

Friday Semifinal: Stanford over WSU by 4. Cougars have been unimpressive and below the radar for a while. But don't take your eye off Kyle Weaver and friends. Regardless, Trent's troops can match Bennett's boys defensively and SU inside scoring will decide it.

Saturday Final: Stanford over UCLA by 6. Bruins have flaws and Trent knows them. UCLA may come into this matchup a bit flat after outlasting USC, and Stanford is basically just about their equal these days.