3. Oregon State Beavers (17-9, 9-5 Pac-12) LW: 3
In one year, the Oregon State Beavers have entered the grand company of the Pac-12’s frontrunners.
Coach Wayne Tinkle has led his squad to an impressive 17-9 overall record and a surprising 9-5 count in conference play. The Beavers are currently standing in third place in the league standings.
Heading into their final four games of the season, Oregon State has a serious chance to make a push for a top two seed come this Pac-12 tournament. Their first opponent of four comes to Corvallis all the way from Tuscon, Arizona.
Losers of seven of their last nine, the Wildcats have been reeling for quite some time, and with the news of an official subpoena for Sean Miller’s involvement in the federal corruption trial coming down the pipeline, even more questions surround an unsolvable equation.
After the ‘Cats comes a surging Arizona State team, a game that could prove massive for the final standings in the Pac-12 Tournament. The Beavers are only a half game back on the Devils for the No. 2 spot in the Pac.
This week will prove vital for the Beavers, as they host the now-25th-ranked Washington Huskies next week. Going 2-0 while hosting the Arizona schools will perhaps define their postseason position.
– Geraffo