Well so far the Big 12 is up 5-0 on the Pac 10 in the Big 12 - Pac 10 Hardwood Series but that could change today. If the Pac-10 is going to get on the scoreboard it could be today and they have the chance to run it up with two favorable matchups and one that could go either way.
Oregon St. Beavers at Colorado Buffaloes (8 P.M. CT ESPNU) - Both teams come into this game with disappointing 3-3 records and not all of the losses were of the so-called good loss variety. Check out the teams that Oregon State has lost against: Seattle University, Texas Southern and the always dangerous Utah Valley. But then again the Buffs have lost to Harvard & San Francisco on the season so not like anyone can point fingers in this contest. Expect a heavy dose of Cory Higgins & Alec Burks in this one as the duo are averaging combined a little over 39 points a game. Keep an eye on Omari Johnson for the Beavers as he is averaging 14.2 ppg this season. Could be a tough day for fans in Corvallis with their football team most likely getting lit up by rival Oregon and a chance their basketball team losing to a so-far mediocre Colorado team.
California at Iowa State (1 P.M. CT FSN) - A good opportunity for the Pac 10 to grab their first win in the series but at the same time a chance to see if Hilton Magic is on its way back in Ames. The Bears come in with a record of 4-2 with one of those victories being over a ranked Temple squad in the Old Spice Classic tournament. The Cyclones are coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of Northern Iowa so todays game will be their first chance to respond back after some adversity. California has three players who average in double figures in points scored a game: Jorge Gutierrez, Harper Kamp & Gary Franklin. For Iowa State, one thing to keep an eye on is if Guard Scott Christopherson plays as he hurt his ankle against Northern Iowa. If he is unable to play or is noticeably hurt then that could spell disaster for the Cyclones who are already not a deep squad.
Texas Tech at (22) Washington (3 P.M CT FSN) - This game definitely represents the Pac 10's most obvious choice as an almost certain victory. Texas Tech has to travel to the Pacific Northwest to play a ranked opponent who is looking for revenge after the Red Raiders victory over the Huskies last year. While Washington comes in with a record of 4-2, their losses have been to top ten teams in Kentucky & Michigan State. Washington is led by PG Isaiah Thomas who is super fast and so far is averaging 14.8 points a game. The Huskies can fill it up as they are currently 2nd in the nation averaging 93.7 points a contest. Texas Tech comes into the game with a 5-3 record, if they are to stand a chance in this game they will need their senior leaders, Mike Singletary & John Roberson, to have monster games. If California doesn't beat Iowa State earlier in the day look for this to be the first win in the Pac 10's belt this year over the Big 12.
A complete schedule of the entire Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series, including scores of completed games is available after The Jump.
2010 BIG 12 / PAC-10 HARDWOOD SERIES
Saturday, November 27
Nebraska Cornhuskers 60
USC Trojans 58
Thursday, December 2
Baylor Bears - 68
Arizona St. Sun Devils - 54
Kansas Jayhawks - 77
UCLA Bruins - 76
Missouri Tigers - 83
Oregon Ducks - 80
Friday, December 3
Kansas St. Wildcats - 63
Washington St. Cougars - 58
Saturday, December 4
Oregon St. Beavers at Colorado Buffaloes
California Bears at Iowa St. Cyclones
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Washington Huskies
Sunday, December 5
Texas Longhorns at USC Trojans
Oklahoma Sooners at Arizona Wildcats
Saturday, December 11
Washington Huskies at Texas A&M Aggies
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