Weekend staff picks: Hoops matchups

Knauer: Point guard Mustafa Shakur took most of the blame for the UA's loss to Stanford last week, also insisting that the lost-boys Trojans and new coach Jim Sala have no shot at an upset today. Good for you, Mustafa. Can we change your last name to Vanderjagt? Just kidding. This one won't be close.
Arizona 92, Southern California 70

Hamila: USC has an overall record of 7-8 and are 0-4 in the Pac-10. Their Web site says that they are still looking for their first Pac-10 win, and they think they can find it in Arizona. They should keep looking. UA seldom loses at home, and USC is in a state of disarray with its coaching problems. They aren't going to have the organization to beat the Wildcats, plus the Wildcats are on a roll, winning six of their last seven.
UA 72, USC 68

Irish: USC is winless on the road and is below .500 on the season at 7-8. Tonight they will drop even lower. The Wildcats are probably a little pissed off, losing last week to the Stanford nerds, and are ready to take it out on the Trojans. The Wildcats should win this one easily, but you never know which one of Lute's teams is going to show up to play.
Arizona wins by a lot..

Knauer: Both of these teams should challenge Arizona's bid for a Pacific 10 Conference title - if not by record, then by upset - so here's hoping that Huskies guard Nate Robinson decides to undercut Oregon freshman Malik Hairston as he goes for a layup, Hairston bursts a ligament in his wrist upon hitting the floor, and Robinson receives an appeal-free season-long suspension. Can't I dream?
Washington 95, Oregon 90

Hamila: Washington may have the ranking but Oregon has the motivation. Washington is the other rival behind Oregon State for the Ducks, which will give them the extra push they need to win the game. Not only that but because Washington fans always chime in at Oregon games, Oregon wants to send those fans home crying. Oregon has the drive to win this one.
Oregon 80, Washington 77

Irish: Washington is undefeated at home this year (10-0) and is 13-2 on the season. While Oregon brings in a competitive team at 10-2, led by sophomore guard Aaron Brooks, they won't be able to stop the Huskies' offense, where six players average double figures in points. The Huskies will stop this quack attack and eat the Ducks for dinner.
Washington 94, Oregon 78

Knauer: This matchup had a lot more going for it before the season. NC State's Julius Hodge has struggled to pick up the slack his teammates have left, and the Blue Devils have their brooms ready. No Shavlik Randolph hurts, but Duke should do just fine without him.
Duke 85, NC State 78

Hamila: Duke, undefeated, without two big starters and some close calls. It may be Duke's time to lose, just not to NC State. NC State has been plagued by three losses in a row and injuries. NC State is just not capable of mustering up the needed energy to beat undefeated Duke unless they are chugging some serious health remedies before the game.
Duke 74, NC State 66

Irish: The state of North Carolina is known for two things: hicks shooting shotguns and good college basketball teams. NC State's Julius Hodge will attempt to keep this close against Duke, but the Blue Devils have too much offense, with three players averaging more than 14 points per game. J.J. Redick and his 21.5 ppg will lead the way past the Wolfpack, as Duke takes one at the RBC Center in Raleigh.
Duke 87, NC State 75

Knauer: The Wildcats should hope center Shawntinice Polk feels spry coming off a December knee injury, as guard Dee-Dee Wheeler has been downright Kobe-like in Polk's absence. Interpret that as you will.
Arizona 65, Southern California 63

Hamila: Looking at the records, both the UA and USC have beat some of the same teams, which puts them on pretty equal footing. USC is third in the Pac-10 and Arizona is fifth. The Trojans have been on a four-game winning streak and should keep that stamina up. But because the teams seem so evenly matched it could be anyone's game.
USC 68, UA 64

Irish: The USC women have dominated at home, winning seven of eight and barely losing to No. 7 Notre Dame. They have won nine of their last 11, including four in a row. While the UA has played decent on the road this year, it is going to be a tough trip to SoCal, facing both USC and No. 19 UCLA. USC edges out a win at home.
Southern California 58, Arizona 54