Pac-10 Tournament Quarterfinals Predictions Part 2

I correctly picked both winners in the early session of the Pac-10 Tournament Quarterfinals, now let's see if I can correctly pick the late session winners too. Here are my quick thoughts and predictions.

#2 Arizona State vs #7 Stanford

The Sun Devils swept the season series with the Cardinal, and what stood out in both games was the dominance of ASU senior center Eric Boateng. Take a look at his combined stats from the two meetings

14-of-14 shooting from the field

32 points

13 rebounds.

The fact is Stanford has nobody down low that can match up with Boateng, which the senior used to his advantage in both games during the regular season. Other than Landry Fields and Jeremy Green, Stanford really doesn't have anyone to turn to in a "must score situation". The Sun Devils' defense gave Stanford numerous problems during the regular season, and I expect much of the same in tonight's game. ASU has won eight of its last 10 games and has surprised everyone with their regular season accomplishments, in which they finished 22-9 a year after losing 68% of its offense to the NBA. The Sun Devils must win tonight's game if they want to get an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, and I think Pac-10 Coach of the Year Herb Sendek will have his team ready to play. A big key in determining ASU's fate will be by how well they shoot the ball from the field. The Sun Devils are 40-2 in the Herb Sendek era when they shoot 50% or better from the floor. Despite their recent struggles, Rihards Kuksiks, and Ty Abbott should pick up their play. The only way ASU will lose this game is if they struggle from the floor, and if Stanford is able to pick apart the zone defense.

My pick- Arizona State

#3 Washington vs #6 Oregon State

Washington, who has won the last six meetings against the Beavers, was a team that everyone thought would be contending for a Pac-10 Title at the beginning of the season. Now the Huskies, who were the once ranked in the top 25, must win the Pac-10 Tournament in order to be in the NCAA Tournament. Washington is led by Quincy Pondexter and Isaiah Thomas, who players that can take over a game at any given time like when the Huskies defeated the Beavers 82-70 just five days ago. Washington will also need a strong performance from Matthew Bryan-Amaning, who has formed into one of the top players for the Huskies. The key to this game is the turnovers. Oregon State is one of the best defensive teams in the Pac-10, as they implement a 1-3-1 zone that is tough to break down. Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year Seth Tarver and the Beavers led the Pac-10 in steals during the regular season, and a lot of their offense comes in transition scoring. If the Huskies turn the ball over a lot, then the Beavs could pull off the upset. Despite Washington struggling on the road this season, I still think they are the second best team in the Pac-10 behind Cal. They are very athletic, and their style of play suits very well in a tournament. Unless Washington struggles hitting their shots, I see them winning this one and moving on to the semi-finals.

My pick- Washington