Pac-12 Tournament semifinals preview for March 12th

We’ve got three teams who are already in the NCAA Tournament and one potential bid thief battling in Sin City today. Oregon, USC, and Colorado are playing for a trophy, while Oregon State needs to play 80 more minutes of winning basketball to have any chance of reaching The Big Dance.

Let’s take a look at all the action from T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, which is surrounded by a lot of restaurants that think it’s cool to charge $12 for a beer before you get to the game.

No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 5 Oregon State, 8:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network

Point Spread: Oregon -8.5
Point Total: 136.5

The Civil War comes to Vegas, but this one isn’t expected to be close. The Beavers did earn a 75-64 win in Eugene over the Ducks on January 23rd, but got beat at home by them to finish the season 80-67 last Saturday.

When UO is at full health, they’re one of the best shooting teams in America (38.5% from three-point range). And when they’re more rested and motivated, they can be a handful for anyone on the West Coast. Especially their least-favorite rival.

The pick: Oregon -8.5

No. 2 USC vs. No. 3 Colorado, 11:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Point Spread: Colorado -1.5
Point Total: 134

Evan Mobley has been terrific in what should be his only season in Los Angeles barring the Lakers or Clippers trading up in the NBA Draft. But his Trojans have been a bit off the last two weeks. Sure they made a furious comeback and ripped UCLA’s hearts out, but UCLA blowing leads under Mick Cronin is like smog and reality TV stars at the Saddle Ranch: It’s just a thing that happens in LA.

Otherwise the Buffaloes team blew USC out 80-62 15 days ago, then the Trojans lost at Utah 71-61, and proceeded to need two overtimes to beat the Utes yesterday. They’re just not in form while Colorado has ripped off five straight wins, all by nine points or more. We’ll ride the hot hand with the higher seed here.

The pick: Colorado -1.5

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.