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Pac-12 Men's Basketball 

Miller: Week 15 Saturday Men’s Hoops Previews

> The result of the USC-UCLA matchup could determine the Pac-12 Regular Season Championship
2 min read
The winner of today's USC-UCLA will finish first or second in the Pac-12, depending on the outcome of the Oregon-OSU game. | Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press


  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports

March 6, 2021


It’s come down to this.

The result of the USC-UCLA matchup could determine the Pac-12 Regular Season Championship, depending on the score of the showdown in Corvallis on Sunday.

Though there are numerous scenarios still in play, none of them will matter if Oregon takes down Oregon State tomorrow. Still, the opportunity is there for both the Trojans and Bruins to win at least a share of the Pac-12 title with a victory today.

But the day begins with a matchup in Salt Lake City.

I preview that game here, along with the rivalry in LA. My picks as well as Nick Bartlett’s and Stephen Vilardo’s appear at the bottom.

Arizona State at Utah

Saturday, February 6th
11:00 am PT, FS1

The Sun Devils and Utes are each coming off losses, setting up one of these programs to enter the Pac-12 Tournament with at least some momentum.

Still without Josh Christoper, Arizona State couldn’t hang with Colorado in the second half on Thursday after Remy Martin had an off night. It seems unlikely that the senior guard will struggle in back-to-back games, but stranger things have happened.

Similarly, Utah gave up too many offensive rebounds to the Beavers on Wednesday, resulting in a five-point defeat despite an efficient game from Timmy Allen.

Both teams could come out firing with something to prove, or each might start the game flat as they question why this matchup is even being played.

In the end, the team that wants it more will likely get it done.

USC at UCLA

Saturday, February 6th
1:00 pm PT, CBS

Mick Cronin is 0-3 against Andy Enfield since taking over the helm in Westwood. And in 2019-20, a last-second three from Jonah Mathews prevented the Bruins from winning a share of the Pac-12 Regular Season Championship.

With similar chips on the line this year, the rivalry in LA has become one of the most prominent showdowns in the Conference of Champions. It’s developed such a reputation that it lands a spot on a basic cable network in the middle of a Saturday.

And in the overall context of the reputation of the league, the rebirth of both teams in Southern California is indicative of the direction Pac-12 basketball is trending.

But today, the matchups to watch are arguably Evan Mobley against Cody Riley, and Tyger Campbell versus Tahj Eaddy. The battle of the bigs in the paint might be what tips the scales either direction, though a poor showing from the lead guards could make or break the hopes of a championship.

When it comes down to it, the team that makes the final shot could once again emerge as the winner. Even if that final shot is as time expires.

Dane Miller
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