Pac-10 tourney could return in '98

The Big Ten Conference, just voted last week to hold a league tournament after the 1997-98 season. That makes the Pac-10 and Ivy League the only two Division I conferences that do not have a postseason tournament.

"We're considering the idea, although I wouldn't say it's on the verge of approval," Pac-10 Commissioner Thomas Hansen said.

The Pac-10 Tournament had a four-year lifespan during the 1980's, but was abandoned in 1990 due to financial problems and concerns about its effect on academics.

A tournament might be needed this season to determine the rightful Pac-10 Champion, however. With four teams within a game of first place, the conference race is shaping up to be the best finish in seven years. That season saw Arizona and Oregon State sharing the conference title at season's end.

"The title is up for grabs," UCLA assistant coach Jim Saia said. "Whoever can pull off a streak at the end could come out on top."

Arizona and the four California schools make up the top five, with Washington just one game behind.

The top six teams have combined for a 24-2 conference record at home, making a road win almost impossible against the upper echelon.

The latest road upsets included an 87-85 Oregon win over UCLA, and a 92-88 Wildcat loss to Washington.

"Protecting our home court has been our number one concern," Washington coach Bob Bender said. "If we can accomplish that, then we can build on that play to improve our performance on the road."

"Every game we've had on the road has been a battle," Saia said. "When some of these teams play the Arizona's and the UCLA's, it's like their Super Bowl. They really get up for those games."

The conference picture, however, might become a little more clear after this weekend. The top two matchups will be the Los Angeles schools hosting the Bay Area schools. This will include a rematch between Stanford and UCLA, the previous meeting having been a 109-61 demolition by the Cardinal.

"I think that the better teams will start knocking each other off," Saia said. "We will be looking to improve our effort against Stanford earlier. So right now our only concern is trying to win our third straight Pac-10 title."

The surprise team in the Pac-10 thus far has been Southern Cal. The Trojans, a preseason pick to finish in eighth place, are currently tied for second with a 6-3 conference record.

"I'm not really surprised with our play. I'm happy for us," USC coach Henry Bibby said. "I expected us to be up midway through the Pac-10. If Stais (Boseman) and Rod (Rhodes) had superhuman years, I thought we could be in the top 2 or 3. For us to finish up there now, they'll have to step it up some more. Those guys should be able to do that for us, and others have to play well. We could surprise some people."

USC just finished a two game sweep of the Oregon schools and have been riding the play of Baseman. He had 16 points and 12 boards against Oregon while handling the point guard duties.

"USC has done a tremendous job this season," Saia said. "They have two legitimate stars in Rhodes and Boseman. Plus, they have shown the ability to pull out a close game against some quality teams."

Washington's Mark Sanford was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week for his efforts against the Arizona schools. For the weekend, he averaged 25.5 points and eight rebounds. Sanford shot 50 percent from the floor in UW's upset of UA.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.