Player of the Week
Drew Peterson (USC)
In two close wins for the Trojans this week, Drew Peterson played outstanding. Losing these two games would’ve looked terrible on USC’s part right before the tournament seeding was determined which adds a level of “clutchness’ to Peterson’s timely performances. In a 94-91 win over Oregon State, he led the team in scoring, minutes played and was tied for a team high in rebounds. He had 23 points to go along with 10 rebounds in 43 minutes of play. In the following game against the Oregon Ducks, Peterson once again stepped up and led the Trojans to a 70-69 interconference battle win. He scored 20 points and snagged 8 rebounds which led the team in both categories once again. Peterson has stepped up immensely for this Trojans squad and will be looked to in March when they need a bucket.
Who’s Hot
Jabari Walker (Colorado)
Last week’s player of the week has continued his hot streak into this slate of games, an impressive feat to say the least. The Buffaloes started off the week rough with a 17-point loss to Arizona State. In this game, Walker scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. He seemed to be one of the only players on the floor who could do anything for Colorado and certainly could have used some more help. With vengeance, the Buffaloes followed this up by beating the #2 team in the country and conference rival Arizona. Not only did they win, they dominated, winning 79-63. In this game, Walker scored 15 points and hauled in 14 rebounds against fellow Pac-12 stud Azuolas Tubelis. This game alone landed him a spot on the list because of how well he hung with a fellow stud big man.
Kerr Kriisa (Arizona)
Kerr Kriisa made this list mainly because of his absolutely dominant game against the Utah Utes. In only 31 minutes of play, Kriisa managed to score 21 points, grab 10 rebounds and dish out 10 assists, giving him the elusive triple double that is not normally seen in the college scene. He led his team in both assists and rebounds in a 97-77 interconference win. Though he struggled in a loss to the Colorado Buffaloes, Kriisa still managed to dish out 5 assists and attempt to help the Wildcats win in a losing effort. He makes the list due to that amazing game against Utah.
Who’s Not
Christian Koloko (Arizona Wildcats)
After starting off the year hot, Christian Koloko has slowed down as of late and it couldn’t come at a worse time. In a 97-77 win over the Utah Utes, Koloko had 11 points and 6 rebounds in 22 minutes of play. Though the statistical numbers aren’t terrible, the 22 minutes is certainly concerning. In a following loss to the Colorado Buffaloes, he once again only played 22 minutes and scored 4 points while grabbing 5 rebounds. In a game that was certainly winnable for the Wildcats, more out of Koloko would have certainly been nice.
USC Trojans
Though they went 2-0 this week, the Trojans are really becoming a team coined as fraudulent when it comes tournament time and as of right now, rightfully so. On Thursday, they barely beat a 3-24 Oregon State Beavers team with a final score of 94-91. They allowed Dashawn Davis to get everything going offensively, as he ended up with 31 points and 7 rebounds. On Saturday, they played an inconsistent Oregon Ducks squad and barely won once again, winning 70-69. Five Ducks scored in double figures and the Trojans defense as of late has looked worrisome. If the Trojans don’t step up their game, an early exit from the tournament is imminent.
Top 5 Best Three-Point Shooters in the Pac-12
Michael Flowers (Washington State)
This season has been a great one from behind the arch for Michael Flowers. Flowers attempts about 7 threes per night and makes just about three of them, putting his percentage at around 38% on the year. In addition to this, he has attempted and made the most threes out of anyone in the conference (shot 207, made 79).
Will Richardson (Oregon)
So far this season, Will Richardson has attempted 146 threes and made 57. This puts him at 39% shooting on the year from there, the best percentage from anyone who shoots 5+ threes a game. This impressive state has Richardson close to the top of the list when it comes to shooting from deep.
Jarod Lucas (Oregon State)
Though it’s been a terrible year for the Beavers, Lucas has been a bright spot for the team (especially when he launches it from beyond the three-point line). The junior guard has attempted 164 threes on the season and made 63. In addition, he makes the fourth most threes per night amongst the Pac-12 (2.3). This list wouldn’t be complete without him.
DJ Horne (Arizona State)
DJ Horne currently makes the third most threes per game throughout the Pac-12 at 2.5. He does this while shooting 7 per game and having a three-point percentage of just about 37%. These are impressive stats when considering how many threes Horne attempts per game.
Gabe Madsen (Utah)
Madsen shoots an impressive 40% from three while attempting 4 per game and making just about 2 of those attempts. As with Jarod Lucas, Utah’s struggles haven’t seemed to affect Madsen as the year has progressed and offered more opportunities to prove just how much of a sniper he is.