STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 1/24

Team Of The Week - USC. I think we all expected a decent game if OJ Mayo could play under control and Taj Gibson could stay out of foul trouble. But I'm not sure any of us thought the Trojans would be able to knock off the Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. Let alone have Davon Jefferson leading the charge. It was the USC team we all expected when the season kicked off. Mayo still took bad shots, but not as many and USC's defense held UCLA to 33 percent shooting. All the while shooting 61 percent from the field themselves against one of the nations top defenses. The win legitimizes USC, but can they build from it and lock up an NCAA tournament bid? Or will they fall back into their old patterns and have this one game as the singular highlight of their season?

Player Of The Week - Davon Jefferson. While Ryan Anderson had the best statistical week averaging 30+ points and almost double digit rebounds his team lost both outings. In Jefferson's only game he was the difference for USC at Pauley. Jefferson poured in 25 points and ripped down 9 rebounds in the win. His 25 included 11 down the stretch as USC outscored UCLA 21-6. It's clear that if USC has any big plans this season they're going to need Jefferson playing well on both ends of the floor to get it done. We now know he's capable, but can he develop into a consistent force? If not, it's hard to imagine his team moving deep into the dance and that's if they can even make it.

Team With The Worst Week - Oregon State. I hate to pile on the Beavers as they took home this prize last week as well, but when your coach is fired, you go winless again and arguably your best player (Kansas Transfer) CJ Giles is dismissed from the team it's tough not to call it the worst week. Giles was plagued by foul trouble fouling out repeatedly since he began his season in mid-December. New coach Kevin Mouton immediately dismissed Giles after taking over the team. Despite his talent, this may actually turn out to be the best thing for the squad. The losses last week were to both Washington teams on the road. After the loss to Washington, the 2nd worst team in the conference, the Beavers may only get one more shot to avoid a defeated conference season when they host the Huskies in mid-February. As for the upcoming? It's not getting any better as they welcome the Los Angeles twosome to town this week.

Game To Watch
1/24 (6) Washington State @ Arizona - Best shot at a signature win the 'Cats may have.
1/24 (8) UCLA @ Oregon - Oregon slipping toward the bottom of the conference. A win here would be a big help.
1/26 (6) Washington State @ (24) Arizona State - Sun Devils looking to bounce back from their beating at Stanford.
1/26 USC @ Oregon - This is arguably must win for both squads. Even more for the Ducks.
1/26 (20) Stanford @ Cal - Cal needs this game if they have any hopes of an NCAAA tournament berth without a conference tournament win.