Arizona, amazingly, is back in the hunt for an NCAA tournament bid. Winners of seven straight, Arizona is now 18-8 overall, 8-5 in conference. Included in this winning streak are wins over conference leader Washington to go along with back-to-back wins over the big two from Los Angeles, UCLA and USC. With everything Arizona has had to overcome–Lute Olson leaving as the season started, player transfers, and the adjustment to interim coach Russ Pennell (he was not even the first choice for interim)–it is more than remarkable that they have fought hard to buy into the current coaching staff and forge their way towards the top of the Pac-10.
Arizona not only has a chance to make the NCAA tournament but they can possibly improve their seeding drastically over the next few weeks. They have road games with top conference opponents Arizona State and Washington coming which, depending on how hot Arizona really is, could skyrocket their seeding. In addition a home game with California looms.
Down the stretch these are three marquee games to follow as Arizona State, California and Arizona battle to lock in NCAA bids and improve seed positions in the process.
College Courtside 