WCC Tournament Team Preview: Pacific

#9 Pacific Tigers

Record: 12-18, 4-14

Postseason Prediction: None

WCC Tournament – First Round:

• Friday, March 6, 2015
• Time: 6:00 PM Pacific
• Opponent: #8 San Francisco (13-17, 7-11)

Stat Leaders:

• Points: T.J. Wallace (13.0 PPG)
• Rebounds: T.J. Wallace (5.6 RPG)
• Assists: T.J. Wallace (2.5 APG)

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Coming into the WCC Tournament, Pacific had won just two of their last five games. They won at home against Portland on Feb. 21 and shocked Santa Clara on the road five days later, but lost against BYU, Gonzaga, and San Francisco. Their last game was a double digit loss to San Francisco, so the Tigers need to play well on Friday if they want to have a chance to upset the Dons in the first round of the WCC Tournament.

How the Tigers Can Win it All

I would be lying if I said that it’s nearly impossible for Pacific to win the WCC Tournament. In order to pull of the improbable however, they have to start a hot streak. The Tigers are not known for their defense, so they will have to score at a high volume. In their four conference games that they won, they scored an average of almost 70 points per game. They will have to move the ball at a high level and find plenty of opportunities for Wallace to score and distribute the ball.

When I think of Pacific’s chances, I think of the run Loyola Marymount made in the tournament two years ago. Coming into the 2013 WCC Tournament, the Lions had won just one conference game and had an overall record of 8-22. They advanced to the semifinals with victories over Portland, San Francisco, and Santa Clara before falling to then #1 Gonzaga. It is definitely possible to make a deep run.

Predicted Finish

I don’t think Pacific has a run in them capable of what Loyola Marymount did two years ago. However, they lost two tough contests to the Dons prior to this upcoming matchup. I think the Tigers will be motivated to get the job done and will shock San Francisco with a last second shot or some game-clinching free throws. The beautiful thing about the postseason is that everyone starts off with a clean slate. That alone will give Pacific motivation to keep things interesting with the Dons on Friday.