Player of the Week
Branden Carlson (Utah)
Even though Utah dropped two games this week, Branden Carlson had a week to remember. In a 105-99 loss against the Arizona Wildcats, Carlson scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. This included 11/19 shooting from the field and two threes made for the 7 foot center. He followed this up with a 25 point, 11 rebound game in a loss to Arizona State. The efficiency was once again sky high, going 10/20 from the field and blocking two shots. His draft stock has risen significantly since the start of the season, showcasing an ability to score at different levels and defend the paint.
Who’s Hot
Pelle Larsson (Arizona)
Arizona has been amazing this season and Pelle Larsson has contributed by providing playmaking and scoring for the Wildcats. In a 105-99 win against Utah, Larsson did a little bit of everything. He scored 27 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 8 assists while shooting 10/17 from the field. This performance included two steals and 2/5 shooting from deep. Larsson had another good game in a 99-79 win against KJ Simpson and the Colorado Buffaloes. He scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds while getting another two steals. This was also an efficient night with Larsson shooting 7/11 from the field and 2/4 from three. The Wildcats have a real chance to advance deep in the NCAA tournament, especially with their guards playing like this.
Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
Many people have been surprised by the breakout from Maxime Raynaud and honestly, me too. He has upped his scoring average by nearly eight points and his efficiency is at an all-time high. This week added to it and proved that his success will be sustained for the remainder of the season. In a 82-74 loss against UCLA, Raynaud scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 30 minutes of play. He shot 7/11 from the field and 5/8 from the free throw line. He kept his hot streak going with a 25 point, 9 rebound and 5 assist game against USC in a 99-68 blowout favoring Stanford. He missed one shot the entire game and finished 2/2 from three. Raynaud has slowly but surely solidified himself as one of the best players in the conference.
Who’s Not
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers have lost their last four games and have shot terribly over their last two. In a six point loss to Washington State, Oregon State shot 61% from the free throw line and 25% from three. Washington State got whatever they wanted on offense, shooting 48% from three. They followed this up with a 67-55 loss against Washington with another inefficient performance. They shot under 35% from the field and three, giving them absolutely no chance to win.
Top 5 Best Records at Home in the Pac-12
1. Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats have been the best team in the conference this year and their home record reflects this. They’re 12-0 at the McKale Memorial Center behind amazing play from guys like Caleb Love and Pelle Larsson.
2. Colorado Buffaloes
Projected top five pick in the NBA draft Cody Williams alongside KJ Simpson and Tristan da Silva have helped the Buffaloes to a 13-1 record at home and a 16-8 record overall. ESPN’s bracketology currently has Colorado as one of the teams to just miss the NCAA tournament. .
3. Washington State Cougars
One of the surprises throughout the Pac-12 this year has been the Cougars, who currently hold an overall record of 18-6 with a home record of 11-1. Freshman guard Myles Rice has been putting up numbers this year and Washington State is currently on a five game win streak
4. Utah Utes
Branden Carlson has been on an absolute heater this year, averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds per game. This has helped the Utes to a 12-2 record at home while being one of the more feared teams throughout the NCAA. Their problem comes when they play teams within the conference, currently boasting a 6-7 record in that department.
5. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks haven’t made much noise this year but their 11-2 record at home and 16-8 record overall is far from bad. With the return of N'Faly Dante and the rebounding presence he gives underneath, they have a real chance of making the tournament.