Pac-10 Tourney Preview

Eric Thomason

Correspondent Written on March 11, 2009

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WESTWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 7: UCLA Bruins cheerleaders perform during the game the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on February 7, 2009 at Pauley Pavillion in Westwood, California. UCLA won 89-63. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

When: Mar. 11-14

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

Outlook: Many storylines emerged in the Pac-10 this season: The Washington Huskies won their first outright conference title since 1953, Mike Montgomery coached California back to the national spotlight, and Oregon State won seven conference games after going 0-16 a year ago.

In a wide-open field, the action at the Staples Center should be fun to watch.

Bubble Burst

LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 20: Kendall Wallace #2 of the UNLV Rebels and Jordan Hill #43 of the Arizona Wildcats battle for a rebound during the first half of their game at the Thomas & Mack Center December 20, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Mille

Arizona. The Wildcats have one of the most interesting tourney profiles of the bubble teams. 'Zona has five Top 50 RPI wins, but is only 2-9 in road games.

The Wildcats have a big opportunity to impress the committee with a win over in-state rival Arizona State on Thursday.

Dark Horse

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 27: Taylor Rochestie #10 of the Washington State Cougars reacts against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2008 NCAA Men's East Regional Semifinal at Bobcats Arena on March 27, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Stre

Washington State. There might be something in the water in Spokane, because the Cougars have become the hottest team in the Pac-10.

If Wazzu can get by lowly Oregon in the first round, and Taylor Rochestie can find his stroke against the Bruins again, then this team could surprise a lot of people.

Upset Watch

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Taj Gibson (L) #22 of the USC Trojans and Harper Kamp #43 of the Cal Golden Bears battle for a rebound during the second half at the Galen Center on January 31, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. USC defeated Cal 73-62. (Phot

Southern California. The Trojans have the athleticism to score against California, and if the Golden Bears come out cold from long range, Cal could fall into trouble early.

That’s the risk Mike Montgomery’s team takes, when you decide to live or die by the three-point stripe.

Predicted Winner

WESTWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Josh Shipp #3 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with teammate Darren Collison #2 after they left the game in the second half during their NCAA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion February 19, 2009 in Westwood, California. The Bruin

UCLA. Look for the Bruins to get revenge on the Washington schools and claim the automatic bid.

The combo of senior Darren Collison and freshman Jrue Holiday should be the difference, with UCLA playing in Los Angeles.

Begin Slideshow

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