Oregon Ducks (16-16) vs. Washington Huskies (21-10)
Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Thursday, 8:30 p.m. PST
TV: FSN
Radio: 950 KJR
The Huskies are one win away from making it to the Pac-10 tournament finals. And after a disappointing end to Pac-10 regular season play, this team has an opportunity to head into the NCAA tournament with some momentum. Oregon will not be an easy team to beat, but winning three games in a row against quality opponents is a difficult task.
Coach Lorenzo Romar said last night's game was a "great gut-check character win." The Huskies' chances in last night's game did looked bleak after the first half, but aided by renewed defensive pressure in the second half, the Huskies pulled it out. At this time of the season, it is satisfactory enough to pull out a win. No matter how ugly it is. Teams are literally playing for their last breath in these games. A pretty win against Oregon is preferable, but the Ducks will not fall down and die tonight.
One concern has to be how and if Isaiah Thomas will play all 40 minutes again. Working the ball inside will be key for the Huskies in this game. It is crucial for Matthew Bryan-Amaning to not get in foul trouble early like he did last night. The Huskies can not afford to fall behind early again. I'd even advocate for pressing the whole game; but the lack of a backup point guard might make this plan implausible.
I do not think Oregon has what it takes to win three games in a row; I'll take the Huskies 86-77.
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