How can the Ducks slow down Allen Crabbe?
Allen Crabbe seems to like playing against Oregon. In his three career games against the Ducks, the sophomore guard has averaged 21 points. Last year, he made 7-of-14 threes in the two games.
His Jan. 8 performance in the Bears’ 77-60 win was even more impressive. He lit up Eugene, Oreg., for 26 points, on 6-of-8 3-point shooting and 12 boards in 37 minutes. Cal was only up by three at the half. In the second half, Crabbe exploded for 23 points. The L.A. native scored 10 points on the Bears’ game-changing 13-0 run that broke the game open midway through the second period.
The Ducks might want to double team Crabbe, at least off of screens. Running him off the 3-point line was effect for Arizona in the Wildcats’ upset of Cal two weeks ago. Forcing Crabbe to put the ball on the floor is best option for Dana Altman’s club. Crabbe is much more comfortable shooting jumpers then creating his own shot. At the very least, put a hand in his face.
— Jonathan Kuperberg
Does Cal need the win more than Oregon?
Even though both the Bears and the Ducks are in the running for the conference title, a win tonight would mean more to Cal.
Let’s face it: Oregon is not going to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. And few expect the Ducks to win the Pac-12 tournament. Claiming the regular season crown of a mediocre conference might not be enough for a ticket to the Big Dance. It would be for Cal, though.
The Bears are the only Pac-12 team that is consistently on bracket projections. Despite not having any signature nonconference wins (unless you count the 20-point win over Weber State), Cal has a surprisingly decent RPI of 35; the next best Pac-12 team is Washington at 62. Thus, right now Cal is the only conference team with a strong chance of receiving an at-large bid.
So, if Oregon wins, the Ducks can celebrate all they want. If the Bears lose the Pac-12 tournament the winner could be the only conference team in the NCAA tournament.
— Jonathan Kuperberg
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