Around the Pac-12 basketball: Week of Jan. 15

For as crazy as the college basketball season has been so far this season, the Pac-12 had a fairly normal week.

The conference’s lone-ranked team won both of its games this week. No. 12 Arizona welcomed both teams from Southern California into the McKale Center.

They first defeated USC 82-67 as Caleb Love continued to show his growth. Love had 20 points and five assists in the win over the Trojans.

USC is anticipating a return of Boogie Ellis from injury in the next couple of games. Ellis is averaging 18.7 points per game as the lead guard of the Trojans.

Three days later the Wildcats defeated UCLA 77-71, where the team's depth was shown off. Four players were in double digits including KJ Lewis with 13 points off the bench.

The biggest matchup of the week was between Colorado and Oregon. The Ducks traveled to Boulder, searching for a big win. However, the Buffaloes were just too much for Oregon.

Colorado defeated Oregon 86-70 in dominating fashion.

Five Buffaloes were in double digits, including freshman Cody Williams with 23 points and KJ Simpson with 22.

Oregon's struggles from the free throw line hurt their chances of winning. Free throws often determine games one way or another. The team shot 58.8% from the line.

The Ducks lost their second Pac-12 game of the week against Utah, losing 80-77. The Utes are starting to figure things out, while the Ducks are looking to rebound.

Deivon Smith led Utah with 24 points in a big-time win in a clustered top of the Pac-12.

With Oregon’s two losses in the week, Arizona is back on top in the Pac-12. However, Oregon and Arizona State both have the same record at 5-2 in the conference.

Three teams are right behind at 5-3. Stanford, Colorado and Utah sit at 5-3 with their eyes set on the top of the conference.

California guard Jaylon Tyson leads all Pac-12 scorers with 21.7 points per game. He has scored 30 points and 17 points in his last two games.

Keion Brooks Jr., Washington, is the only other player averaging above 20 points per game. The senior forward is averaging 20.3 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Stanford guard Jared Bynum leads the conference with 6.5 assists per game.

Oumar Ballo has been enormous in the paint for Arizona. The Wildcats big man has 9.2 rebounds per game along with 12.7 points per game.

The conference is still up in the air as conference play continues. There are at least six teams that are still in heavy contention for the top spot in the Pac-12. However, it seems as if it is Arizona’s to lose at the moment.

Andrew Deal is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email asd5765@psu.edu