Player of the Week
Boogie Ellis (USC)
Though the Trojans only played one game this week, it was a huge one for their confidence and tournament case. They beat a top 10 ranked UCLA team, 77-64. The deciding factor was Boogie Ellis, who scored 31 points and dished out 6 assists. He shot 9/17 from the field and 10/10 from the free throw line, continuing his best efficiency year to this day. Ellis has been and continues to be one of the best players for this USC squad.
Who’s Hot
Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona)
Another week went by in the Pac-12 and it was another week of dominance for Azuolas Tubelis. In a 63-58 win against the Washington State Cougars, Tubelis scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He followed this up with another double-double, scoring 25 points and bringing in 10 rebounds. This adds to his near double-double per game stats, where he averages 20 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Tristan da Silva (Colorado)
Though Colorado lost both games this week, Tristen Da Silva balled out and deserves none of the blame. In a 75-69 loss against the Oregon Ducks, Silva had 23 points and 4 rebounds. He also had three steals and only one turnover while shooting 8/14 from the field. He followed this up with another great performance where the Buffaloes lost to Oregon State, 60-52. Silva had 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. The 6’9 junior has worked well with KJ Simpson, which might lead to some wins in the future.
Who’s Not
Arizona State Sun Devils
Once again, the Sun Devils dropped their two inter conference matchups this week but this time to inferior opponents.They lost 69-66 in a hard fought game to the Washington Huskies. They shot 30.7% from the field and 28.1% from three. They lost again to the Washington State Cougars, 75-58. Not one player scored over 20 and their lead rebounders only had 6 rebounds. After emerging as one of the better teams in the Pac-12, the Sun Devils are on a four game losing streak.
Top 5 Arenas in the Pac-12
The Pauley Pavilion (UCLA)
This arena holds one of the most storied programs in the NCAA basketball landscape. Holding the most championship banners across the NCAA, the light blue and yellow colorway continues to be one of the most iconic across the game of basketball and the Bruins certainly improve when playing there.
Mckale Memorial Center (Arizona)
If any team plays better at home, it has to be the Arizona Wildcats. This huge arena has hosted some of the winningest teams across the NCAA. Through 1987 and the early 90s, the Wildcats won 71 games in a row at the Mckale Memorial Center. Some of the more recent Arizona teams have also found success. In 2022, they went 33-4 overall and 17-0 at home.
Alaska Airlines Arena (Washington)
The oldest arena in the Pac-12 has to be on the list. Established in 1927, the arena has always been a great host and a tough place for opponents to win. The classic purple has hosted the Huskies as conference winners 13 times since being established.
Jon M. Huntsman Center (Utah)
One of biggest arenas in the Pac-12 is always good for a loud and lively fan base which is exactly what you get with Utah Utes. Though they have been struggling the past couple years, some very good teams have played at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. From 1994-1999, the Utes boasted an 84.5% win percentage. In addition, their current record is a solid 15-8.
Matthew Knight Arena (Oregon)
Though this arena was only established in 2011, the Ducks have never had a losing season while playing there. In addition to the unique design of the court, they have hosted a number of great teams in its short history. In the 2015-2016 season, Oregon went 31-7 on the year and then went 33-6 the next. It’s creativeness and winning atmosphere puts it on the list.