Player of the Week:
Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona)
Though there were some great performances across the Pac-12 this week, Azuolas Tubelis stole the show. He was the X-factor in two interconference wins that improved the Wildcats record to 21-3. In a 91-76 win against the Oregon Ducks, Tubelis scored a ridiculous 40 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. He only missed five shots the entire game and went 8/9 from the free throw line. He also added three steals. Tubelis then scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds en route to a 84-52 win over the Oregon State Beavers. When he is at his best, Arizona is a very hard team to beat.
Who’s Hot
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA)
As the Bruins maintain the top spot in the Pac-12, Jaime Jaquez Jr. continues to be one of the best players in the nation. UCLA beat the Washington Huskies 70-61 behind Jaquez Jr.’s 15 points and 10 rebounds. He led the Bruins in scoring and rebounding, showcasing his versatility as a player once again. UCLA won again, beating the Washington State Cougars 76-52. Jaquez Jr. had his best game of the week, scoring 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. He once again led the Bruins in scoring and rebounding.
Keion Brooks (Washington)
Though the Huskies dropped both of their games this week, Keion Brooks did everything in his power to keep it close. In a game against #9 ranked UCLA, Brooks scored an efficient 23 points in a 70-61 loss. He was the game’s leading scorer and kept Washington within striking distance. He followed this up with a double-double performance in a 80-74 loss to the USC Trojans. Brooks scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, leading the Huskies in both statistical categories.
Who’s Not
California Golden Bears
All hope for the California Golden Bears is gone as the season nears its end. They are currently 3-20 on the season and 0-8 in away games. It doesn’t help their case that they are on a 7 game losing streak and lost both matchups this week by double digits either. They can’t seem to find wins in any sort of environment and can very well lose to the rest of their remaining schedule. It’s the opposite of golden times for California.
Top 5 X-Factor Players in March
1/ Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona)
The fact of the matter is: when Azuolas Tubelis plays well, the Wildcats usually win the game. Tubelis comes in as one of the clear players who will need to perform in the tournament for this Wildcats squad. While they have some nice pieces around him, their success is almost solely based on how he plays.
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA)
Though he seems like an obvious pick, there’s no doubt that Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the motor behind this Bruins team. Both his defensive and offensive abilities propel UCLA to wins and if he doesn’t show up, there’s a good chance they could get bounced out of the tournament pretty early.
3. Boogie Ellis (USC)
Though Drew Peterson could certainly help the Trojans, most of the weight most definitely falls on Boogie Ellis to produce throughout the Tournament. He’s having one of his most efficient years thus far and is averaging a career high in assists. He’ll need to turn it on for the Trojans to make a run.
4. Oumar Ballo (Arizona)
While it’s true that a ton of Arizona’s success comes from Azuolas Tubelis, what makes them so dangerous is their dominant paint presence. Oumar Ballo provides a heap of this for the Wildcats, averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds on the year. If he can keep playing the role he has carved, it will help the team exponentially.
5. Tyger Campbell (UCLA)
Tyger Campbell comes into March as one of the longest tenured players in college. The senior guard has been great this year aside from his efficiency, where he only shoots 39.1% from the field. Though his playmaking and overall scoring helps the team greatly, he will need to be more efficient come tournament time. The Bruins rely on him to be one of their more steady players; someone who can come in and take good shots while making the right play. He will need to play this role and even more for UCLA to have a chance at winning it all.