They are playing well, but...
Although ASU shit the bed last week against the Washington schools, ASU might have the inside track at taking home the regular season title as they have already beat UCLA at Pauley.
Most of their tough remaining conference games are at home. UCLA, USC, CAL, Stanford, and AZ all have to make trips to Tempe.
Diehard UCLA fan here and I think that a 2 seed and being #7 overall is probably the best they can do. They don't have any big wins. Losses to Texas, ASU, Michigan, UW. They don't have a marquee win on their resume and I don't see the RPI getting any higher than 20-24 even if they win out. Coach Howland has listened to his seniors and opened up the offense more. Running less sets, and more true motion where the players are able to create freely. With this new offensive freedom has come a renewed vigor on the defensive end. I really hope the committee matches up UCLA/UNC in an elite 8 this year. I want to see Howland coach circles around Roy and his more talented/athletic squad.
UCLA is playing a lot better than when they met last time and ASU is playing far worse. I wouldn't be surprised if UCLA returned the favor and beat ASU on the road this Thursday. Also you failed to mention that ASU must go on the road and play the same two Washington schools that they lost to at home. Also ASU has 2 more losses than UCLA so even if they beat UCLA again, they still need UCLA to lose another. ASU needs everything to break their way. No question that UCLA is and should be the Pac 10 favorite. I still doubt that they have much of a chance to be a number 1 seed however.
Some excellent comments and knowledge in this thread. I think it will come down to whether or not the Big East or ACC get two bids as No.1 seeds. Should both those conference's regular season champion also win their respective conference tournaments, then I don't think either conference would get two No.1 seeds. However, UCLA still must continue to win out and win their conference championship as well to have any shot at a No.1 seed.
I saw a vastly improved UCLA team yesterday, as they made minced meat out of Notre Dame.
Granted Notre Dame is/was overrated, but the way UCLA played defense yesterday, they could give Pitt, UCONN, OU, and the rest all they can handle.
Right now the Bruins are a solid 2 seed, and if they keep playing they are capable of playing, I can see them as a one seed out of the west.
Granted Notre Dame is/was overrated, but the way UCLA played defense yesterday, they could give Pitt, UCONN, OU, and the rest all they can handle.
Right now the Bruins are a solid 2 seed, and if they keep playing they are capable of playing, I can see them as a one seed out of the west.
When looking at the big picture, I agree as well. UW might have the best shot outside of UCLA for the regular season title. Especially since they get ASU at home.
ASU played horrible two weeks ago, but they went on the road this weekend and swept the Oregon schools to get back on track. And yes, I know thats nothing to brag about. Oregon and OSU are both pretty bad.
We will know more come this Thursday with UCLA comes to Wells Fargo Arena. I will be there and am looking forward to it.
Wow ! I envy you ! It should be a great game and will go a long way in deciding who goes where ! Enjoy the game !:toast:
Thanks. I went online last night and bought 2 tickets for $15 each. Pretty good deal if you ask me. Especially since this will be 2 top 25 teams going at it.
I predict ASU by 3.
As of right now according to Bracketology, UCLA has a 4 Seed
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
