Pac-Tending 03-15-06

"As the committee evaluates the teams, we don't think of the number of teams getting in from one conference. As it turned out, we felt six teams from the Pac-10 deserved to be in."

- NCAA selection committee chairwoman Joni Comstock, explaining how the conference got their unprecedented six teams into the women's Big Dance.

Women's hoop reigned at the Creek as the Pac-10 landed an unprecedented six teams in the NCAA Tournament. Stanford was the conference's top seed, followed by Arizona State, conference tournament winner UCLA, USC, Washington and California. Oregon State made it seven conference teams in the post-season by being invited to play in the WNIT.

On the men's side, four teams made the Big Dance – UCLA, Washington, Arizona and California – with Stanford going to the NIT.

Meanwhile, at the portion of NCAA HQ that was not revolving around March Madness, data from the 2004-05 Academic Progress Rate [APR] found that adjustments made for athletes who turned professional but maintained their eligibility was justified when 541 of 839 such athletes were able to maintain their eligibility before leaving.

UCLA

In men's hoop, UCLA defeated Oregon State, Arizona and California to win the Pac-10 tournament title and improve to 27-6 overall. The Bruins will face Belmont in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

In women's hoop, UCLA will face Bowling Green in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Oregon

In men's hoop, the Ducks defeated Washington but lost to California in the conference tournament to finish their season at 15-18. Guard Aaron Brooks was suspended for two games next year – the season opener and the conference road game against Washington – for his flagrant foul committed in the conference tourney game against the Huskies.

Junior pole vaulter Tommy Skipper won his second consecutive NCAA championship with a mark of 18-6-1/2 at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Arkansas.

Arizona

In men's hoop, the Wildcats defeated Stanford but lost to UCLA in the conference tournament to move to 19-12 on the year and will play Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Guard Hassan Adams was reinstated after being suspended for his DUI charges.

Stanford

In men's hoop, Stanford lost to Arizona in the Pac-10 tournament but defeated Virginia in the first round of the NIT to move to 16-13 on the year and will play at Missouri State in a second round game.

In women's hoop, the Cardinal will play Southeast Missouri State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

USC

In men's hoop, the Trojans lost to California in the conference tournament to end their season at 17-13.

In women's hoop, the Women of Troy will play South Florida in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

WSU

Students voted to tax themselves – by way of a $25 fee per semester over 25 years - to help raise $10 million for football stadium renovations.

Multi-event athlete Julie Pickler broke her own school record with 4,267 points and finished second in the pentathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Arkansas.

Arizona State

Receiver Angelo Richardson was wounded in a shooting near his hometown in the Bay Area.

In men's hoop, Arizona State head coach Rob Evans was fired.

In women's hoop, the Sun Devils will play Stephen F. Austin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

California

In men's hoop, California defeated USC and Oregon but lost to UCLA in the conference tournament to move to 20-10 on the year and will play North Carolina State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

In women's hoop, the Bears will play St. John's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Oregon State

The Beavers added five walk-ons – receiver Bill Banash and Steve Cooper, linebackers Cody Heller and Michael Smith and running back Andy Stewart.

In men's hoop, the Beavers lost to UCLA in the conference tournament to finish their season at 13-18.

In women's hoop, Oregon State will play Santa Clara in the first round of the WNIT.

Washington

In men's hoop, the Huskies lost to Oregon in the conference tournament to drop to 24-6 and will play Utah State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

In women's hoop, Washington will play Minnesota in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

+++++++sponsored by Clark's Restaurant+++++++++

Attention COUGAR Fans! Winter is almost over but you're still hungry! How can you afford to go one day further without some tasty morsels from Clark's Restaurant in Grays Harbor – home of the Best Hamburger in Twin Harbors for seven consecutive years. Come in for the burger, fresh homemade fries and milkshakes concocted from homemade ice cream. Go ahead, we dare you to try and pass up more than 12 varieties of hamburgers to choose from, full dinners, lunch and full breakfast served daily. Clark's Restaurant 360.538.1487. Seven miles south of Aberdeen, Washington on Highway 101. Proud supporter of CougZone. Mention this ad for a free small hot chocolate.