STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 2/21/08

Team Of The Week - Washington State. For the first time in week the Cougs managed a perfect a week. This time in sweeping through Oregon. Finally their three's were falling for more than one night and their defense was stingy once again. It was the Cougs team we'd come to know early in the season and it was nice to see them at their best once again. To be fair, they didn't exactly knock off a couple of the Pac-10's elite, but a pair of road wins are a pair of road wins in this league. No matter who it is your beating. With the victories the Cougs have almost reached lock status. Something their certain to reach with an pair of victories this week as the Arizona schools come to Pullman.

Player Of The Week - James Harden. If for nothing else than his late game heroics against Stanford on Thursday night. In a game they had no business winning Harden put the team on his back and made one play after another down the stretch to force overtime. Harden managed ASU's last four points of regulation and the first 8 point of overtime as ASU stole the victory. Proving that he's far from a one trick pony Harden also nabbed 5 boards, 5 steals and 5 assists. As someone not considered a threat to head for the draft ASU looks to be in good shape for next year if they fail to play into late March this season.

Team With The Worst Week - Arizona. One could certainly make a case for USC here as they played only one game and lost it so UCLA while their "leader" OJ Mayo turned the ball over 10 times, but I'm rolling with the 'Cats for a few reasons. After knocking off Cal on Thursday Arizona could have officially punched its ticket to the Dance, but once again they lost a close one late. This time it was to Stanford, in the past it's been Kansas and others. No one is doubting the 'Cats have played the nations toughest schedule, but it seems like they've lost (albeit close) to every one of the top tier squads they've faced. They don't necessarily need to beat UCLA when they play them March 2nd, but it'd certainly help justify all the positive press they've gotten to this point.

Game To Watch -
2/21 - Arizona State @ (17) Washington State - Must win for ASU's at-large hopes.
2/21 Oregon @ USC - The Trojans can put the final nail in the Ducks coffin with a win at home.
2/23 Oregon @ UCLA - Would be huge for Oregon, as unlikely as it is.
2/23 Arizona @ (17) Washington State - One of two chances for Arizona left to get a marquee conference win.
2/24 Cal @ (9) Stanford - If Cal's going to make a push for the postseason it MUST start here.