Pac-10 men's basketball:
(16)Arizona vs. UCLA
They should reschedule this game for 7 p.m., rather than 1. That way, I can spend my Valentine's Day night at Old Chicago drinking beer and watching basketball, instead of arguing with the hostess at one of Tucson's finer eateries about my reservation for two that they mysteriously "lost" (sorry, hon). It would also give Lute Olson more time to open all his love letters from the local media.
UCLA 68, Arizona 66
Pac-10 women's basketball: Southern Cal vs. (24)Arizona
Judging by the sentiments of those same local media, the men's recent losing streak was the result of dumb refs, player mistakes, bad luck and/or the moon being in the fifth house of Saturn. But definitely not because the UA's getting outcoached. Yet the Wildcat women have to put up with atrocious refs every game, and they entered the weekend leading the Pac-10. Hmm ...
Arizona 57, USC 50
Pac-10 men's basketball:
California vs. (2)Stanford
Speaking of being outcoached ... five bucks says that if Stanford is up 3 in the hostile environment of Haas Pavilion with 3:30 left to play, Mike Montgomery doesn't put the Cardinal in the slow-down offense. How does that saying go, "Luck comes to those who are better prepared"? If that's the case, Stanford will keep winning close games on buzzer-beaters.
Stanford 80, Cal 77
Big East men's basketball:
(4)Pittsburgh vs. (5)Connecticut
People say St. Joe's has a cupcake schedule? Pitt's ranked No. 4 in the nation, yet has only played two ranked teams. That's like being a scrub minor leaguer and being engaged to Jennie Finch. Oh, wait ... Speaking of the lovely Ms. Finch, she needs your help: she's currently in a dead heat with Heather Mitts for ESPN Page 2's Hottest Female Athlete award. Vote for her.
UConn 88, Pitt 72
Pac-10 men's basketball:
(16)Arizona vs. UCLA
Arizona's 25-point win at Pauley Pavilion four weeks ago was its biggest road win of the season and third biggest overall. One would think the Wildcats won't have an issue with the Bruins in McKale Center. Besides, Stanford's the only team that seems to be able to compete with Arizona in Tucson. But they don't get to come back until next season. Losers.
Arizona 89, UCLA 69
Pac-10 women's basketball: Southern Cal vs. (24)Arizona
The Wildcat women seem to be on the same path they were last season. They do have the lead in the Pac-10 at the moment, but their record at, and away from, McKale look very similar. Arizona is unbeatable at home but very average on the road. The Trojans will be Arizona's third-toughest road test of the season. The Wildcats failed their first two.
Pac-10 men's basketball:
California vs. (2)Stanford
The ASU women helped Arizona take first place in the conference with a win over Stanford last weekend. With a win at Cal, the Cardinal could help put the Wildcat men back into third. That's the only thing that really matters about this game. The whole "perfect season" thing doesn't mean that much. Stanford knows it.
Stanford 72, Cal 67
Big East men's basketball:
(4)Pittsburgh vs. (5)Connecticut
Home-court advantage seems to be a really big deal in college hoops. UConn beat Pitt by three Jan. 19 in Hartford. But the Huskies have lost two of four on the road. And oh yeah, that first game with the Panthers was pretty close. Pitt's undefeated on its home floor this season. Feel the wrath and power of the city of Pittsburgh!
Pitt 59, UConn 51
Pac-10 men's basketball:
(16)Arizona vs. UCLA
Being the beat writer for men's hoops, Johnny Editor says I can't comment on the game. That being said, I'd like to take this opportunity to call out the silver VW beetle that chucked a vanilla shake at my head yesterday on Fourth Street, just outside of the Franklin Building. That's the best prank you could do? Meet me in the parking lot after school. Three o'clock.
Wuensch 1, Silver VW Punks 0
Pac-10 women's basketball: Southern Cal vs. (24)Arizona
The road record speaks for itself; it's terrible. Arizona, despite clawing back into the top 25, just can't win on the road. USC won't be an easy game either, as the Wildcats got by in an ugly game last time out against the Women of Troy in Tucson. Polkey needs to carry this team, and against USC she does. The Wildcats stun the folks in LA in a nail-biter.
UA 61, USC 59
Pac-10 men's basketball:
California vs. (2)Stanford
Cal has emerged as a contender in a weak Pac-10 and being on its home court will certainly help its chances. Stanford will dominate once again and save the first loss of the season for the Wildcats in the Pac-10 tournament's championship game. Tiger is lucky more fans from the UA weren't in Palo Alto on Saturday, or he may have had a frozen shake thrown at his head.
Stanford 81, Cal 71
Big East men's basketball:
(4)Pittsburgh vs. (5)Connecticut
You won't find a better matchup this weekend - No. 5 at No. 4. Pittsburgh is coming off a loss to Seton Hall - a school that accepted me back during my first stint through college during another generation. UConn is coming off a Big East loss as well. Don't count on the senior-laden Panthers to lose two in a row. Senior leadership prevails.
Pitt 74, UConn 66