The story of PAC-12 basketball has been one of disappointment this season. The conference has possibly the worst power conference team in the modern era in California (even though they just beat conference leaders Washington), and they could be the first power conference to land only a single team in the NCAA Tournament since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Washington has done enough to earn an at-large bid, but if the Huskies win the conference tournament and Arizona State is one-and-done, there is a good chance that Washington is the only PAC 12 team involved in March Madness. The PAC 12 Tournament will take place from March 13 to March 16 in Las Vegas, and you can bet on every game along the way at BetDSI.
PAC-12 Tournament Favorite
Washington – The Huskies have been the most consistent team in the PAC 12 this season. They are 14-2 in conference play, and even with the stunning loss to a historically bad Cal team, they need to win just one of their last two home games to win the PAC 12 regular season title outright. Washington has one of the top defenses in the country, but its hard to feel exceptionally confident about its chances given their shooting woes and performance away from home. The Huskies’ offense is rated outside the top 100 according to Ken Pomeroy, and they are 2-2 in their last four road games with the wins coming by a combined three points.
PAC-12 Tournament Top Contender
Arizona State – If the Huskies end up losing at some point in the conference tournament, the Sun Devils have the most to gain. Arizona State is the only other team in the PAC 12 with a chance at earning an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. This team has been incredibly streaky though. Home losses to Princeton and Washington State are Quad 4 defeats, but they also knocked off Kansas, Mississippi State, Utah State, and Washington earlier this season. Arizona State has done most of its work at home though, and its hard to see this game winning three straight away from Tempe.
PAC-12 Tournament Contenders
Oregon – The Ducks don’t have Bol Bol and are one of eight teams hovering around .500 in conference play. However, they may be worth a few dollars as a longshot. They are the second-best team in the conference if you go by Pomeroy’s ratings, and they are running hot after smashing the Arizona schools by a combined 54 points last weekend. Oregon has not played well away from Eugene, but you can probably get this team around 8-1 to win the conference tournament, and that would be worth a play.
Oregon State – To be confident in Oregon State, the Beavers need to earn the No. 3 seed. Right now, they are in a three-way tie for third along with UCLA and Utah, and they close out their season with the Washington schools. They are one of two schools in the conference with a competent offense, and while Utah is more proficient on offense, the Utes can’t play a lick of defense. There should be some situational spots to back the Beavers, but to have a chance at winning it all they must avoid Washington.
