Roundup: Cal has potential "win-and-in" game against Oregon

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports writes that after surviving a late Utah rally, Cal could potentially punch its NCAA Tournament ticket by beating Oregon in the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinals. Cuonzo Martin thinks his team has done enough to get in already; Eisenberg politely disagrees.

Our Alex Espinoza writes about Arizona’s offensive explosion in its 92-78 win over Colorado, as the ‘Cats shot 64 percent from the floor in the second half.

Pat Rooney writes that Arizona’s second-half spurt derailed Colorado in the Pac-12 quarterfinals. Colorado trailed by just one at the half, but an 11-0 Wildcat run in the second half doomed the Buffs.

Dylan Ennis and Tyler Dorsey had big games in Oregon’s 80-57 win over Arizona State Thursday afternoon, writes Tyson Alger. The two combined for 21 rebounds in the triumph (including a career-high 12 for Ennis), while Dorsey added 21 points.

Sweet win over USC for UCLA men’s basketball to set up another showdown with Arizona, but I want to direct your attention to Bill Simmons’ article on Russell Westbrook entitled “50 Shades of Westbrook” for The Ringer, as Simmons dives deep into Westbrook’s “ball hoggery,” if you will.

Tiger Woods says he doesn’t know when he’ll return to the PGA Tour, he announced on his website (USA TODAY Sports).

Read this Associated Press story on how Troy Taylor went from high school coach to Utah offensive coordinator in two years. The Utes have had a lethargic passing game since joining the Pac-12, but after coordinating the Eastern Washington offense to an FCS-leading 401 passing yards per game, Taylor might be the guy who is able to shake it up.

Friends share their memories of the late Duke Washington, the former Washington State fullback who died in February at age 84, in this Jacob Thorpe-produced link. Washington is known for becoming the first African-American to play at Texas’ Memorial Stadium back in 1954.

Ted Miller spends this article discussing linebacker Cameron Smith leading the USC defense that is expected to help the Trojans compete for Pac-12 and national titles in 2017.

And here’s a bonus Uncle Ted link, as he tells us that Washington’s defense isn’t worried about “rebuilding.” The Dawgs have lost plenty of guys on that side of the ball to the NFL Draft during the Chris Petersen era and they’ve been fine every time the year after.

Chantel Jennings profiles Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton, who gave up a full scholarship at Idaho to try to get himself on a Pac-12 roster. And, after setting many passing records at Ventura Community College, he did just that.

Check out the Arizona State softball game notes ahead of a three-game series against Nebraska. The Sun Devils are 16-5 on the season and ranked in the top 25.