Does anybody want to win the Pacific 10 Conference this year? No, judging by the results from the weekend, when first-place Arizona got swept at the Washington schools, sending second place in the conference to a five-way tie.
1. Washington (6-5) — If anybody took control of the Pac-10 this weekend, it was Quincy Pondexter. The Huskies forward earned his fourth Pac-10 Player of the Week honor this season after dropping 30 points against Arizona. Pondexter is now a clear-cut favorite for conference Player of the Year.
2. California (7-4) — The Bears came up short against USC after an incredible 25-point run in the second half. If it weren’t for the Trojans’ clutch free throw shooting, we would be looking at a clear-cut top team in the Pac.
3. Arizona (6-5) — Reality check. The Wildcats spent a total of one week in first place before suffering a foul-heavy loss to the Huskies and ensuing hangover to the Cougars. Expect Sean Miller to put every starting position up for grabs this week in practice. Why not Alex Jacobson?
4. USC (6-5) — Pesky. Streaky. Inconsistent. Sounds like the 2007-08 Wildcats under coach Kevin O’Neill. It’s no wonder the Trojans continue to tread water, especially after sweeping the Bay Area schools this weekend.
5. Arizona State (6-5) — It doesn’t feel like the Sun Devils really left Washington with a sense of accomplishment. Splitting the Cougars and Huskies should be considered on par in conference play, but not after the 79-56 loss on Saturday to Washington that should leave a sour taste throughout the week.
6. UCLA (6-5) — A 6-5 record looks a lot better than the Bruins actually are. UCLA absorbed a 72-58 loss to the Bears over the weekend, barely splitting the Bay Area schools by nipping the Cardinal 77-73.
7. Washington State (5-5) — A big double-digit win against Arizona kept the Cougars in contention for, well, anything in the Pac-10. Being this low in the pecking order yet only one game out in the loss column can be entertaining, right?
8. Oregon State (4-6) — Another yawner weekend of a Civil War — a 62-42 Beavers win. Winning at the Arizona schools this weekend could keep OSU intact.
9. Oregon (4-6) — Losers in six of their last eight games, the Ducks could check out of this season after a weekend in the desert.
10. Stanford (4-7) — The two-man team of Landry Fields and Jeremy Green needs a supporting cast. Quickly.
