Roundup: Chalk Vegas

Should be a fun semifinal Friday, and perhaps one where we will finally see a seeding upset -- thus far, the higher-seeded team has won all eight games. Oregon will play Arizona in the 1-4 matchup after the Ducks outlasted Washington and ‘Zona took care of Colorado, and Jeff Eisenberg discusses the intriguing freshman battle between Tyler Dorsey of Oregon and Allonzo Trier of Arizona. Dorsey originally committed to Arizona before landing in Eugene.

Meanwhile, our Kevin Zimmerman notes that both Arizona and Oregon showed some weaknesses in their quarterfinal victories.

Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times explains why the Washington men’s basketball season is still a success despite losing to Oregon in the quarterfinals (tight game though – 83-77).

Pat Rooney tries to put some perspective on Colorado’s loss to Arizona. The Buffs were severely outplayed in the first half before making a furious rally to cut the deficit to two points late in the game, eventually losing 82-78.

Hard-fought 80-72 victory over USC in tow, Utah is one step closer to a coveted Pac-12 tournament title, writes Lindsay Schnell of Sports Illustrated. Also, check out Larry Krystkowiak’s Austrian/Arnold Schwarzenegger accent with Jakob Poeltl to his side.

Here’s what Andy Enfield had to say after USC’s loss to Utah, saying he thinks the team has “turned many corners” this season.

He missed his fair share of free throws, but Ivan Rabb led Cal to a 76-68 quarterfinal win over Oregon State, going off for 21 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks and was the difference down the stretch (Connor Letourneau). Sure looked like Cal was gonna run away with it early, but credit the Beavs for really making the Bears earn it.

Danny Moran tells us in his live update blog that Oregon State lost despite big performances from Derrick Bruce and Gary Payton II. The freshman Bruce had a career-high 25 points, nailing many a step-back three, while Payton II went for 20 points and 17 boards.

There are four Stanford players or alums on the USA Water Polo Women’s National Team roster that will take part in the 2016 Olympic Qualification tournament in the Netherlands – Makenzie Fischer (deferred enrollment ‘til next year), Maggie Steffens (senior next year), Kiley Neushul (alum) and Melissa Seidemann (alum). The 2012 Olympic gold medalists need to finish in the top four to punch a ticket to Rio.

Washington State football announced its 2015 awards, with Luke Falk taking home team MVP honors. CougCenter breaks down the other awards given out as well.

Kevin Gemmell writes about the 2016 Arizona State special teams unit that could very well be the best in the conference, though Todd Graham is still quick to say that Utah has the best special teams corps.

So, UCLA hosted a pre-finals puppy party for its student-athletes, and more than 200 of ‘em showed up. Click on the link in the preceding sentence to check out the cuteness.