The Pac-12 deserves a round of applause for their sheer dominance of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, this season. It might sound weird reading that open, but it’s a valid statement considering the number of pacific teams competing for a spot in the Final Four, this week. Three out of eight squads (Oregon State, UCLA and USC) have legitimate shots at competing in college basketball’s biggest event.
How each team got to this place can only be registered as miraculous
Oregon State was picked to finish last in the conference in most pre-season polls. They looked all but finished against UCLA in the Pac-12 tournament a month ago, but made a furious comeback and never lost again. It’s their first Elite 8 appearance since the 1980’s (AC Green, anybody?).
UCLA had six players finish in double figures during their 88-78 win over Alabama over the weekend. This is a far cry from out the Bruins finished their regular season, with four straight losses. They had a little help from the Tide’s terrible free throw shooting. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Alabama going 11-for-25 from the foul throw line was the worst free throw performance in the NCAA tournament since 2003.
USC made their way to the Elite 8 with a win over Oregon, which would have resulted either way in another Pac-12 team sneaking into championship week. Each win is an incredible signal for what’s to come in the Pac-12. With so much national exposure, young recruits will begin to see why playing for the conference of champions is in style again.