UCLA Basketball

Having lost three straight and four of their last five games, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin's frustration boiled over when he was ejected late in the second half of Friday's 79-61 loss to Maryland.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Cronin explained "I'm tired of it" in reference to feeling like his team was being put in unfair situations by the officials.

"I don't remember the last time I had a technical," he said. "I had enough. I'm sending a message. I'm tired of it. I know we're the outsider and all that—us, SC and Oregon—but that was ridiculous. And take nothing away from Maryland, a really good team at home, but you got to defend my players. If you can just mug guys and chop their arms off, throw them out of the way, it's hard to run any offense.

Mick Cronin is given a technical and ejected from the game pic.twitter.com/nRSeYSDc5y

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 11, 2025

Cronin's patience is starting to wear thin with everyone right now. He called his team "soft" after a 94-75 home loss to Michigan on Tuesday.

"Obviously, they shot the ball well," he said. "But we're soft. We're too soft to play hard enough. Even in the [crucial moments], you can't get a rebound. ... So don't tell me you want to win. Just don't tell you want to win. I mean, we're soft. To be fair, they have a unique skill set. But we're soft."

The comments amid the most difficult stretch of the season so far for the Bruins. Their last two losses have come by a combined 37 points. They reached a high mark of 15th in the AP Top 25 poll for the week of Dec. 30, but dropped to No. 22 this week and will likely fall out of the rankings that come out next week.

UCLA started the season 10-1, highlighted by a road victory over then-undefeated Oregon on Dec. 8.

The biggest issue for the Bruins is offense. Two of their three lowest scoring games of the season have come in the past six days, against Maryland on Friday and Nebraska on Jan. 4.

UCLA ranks 147th in the nation in offensive rating and 194th in points per game. This puts more pressure on a really good defense that ranks 13th rating, but has allowed its two highest point totals of the season in these past two games.

The schedule does ease up a little bit for the Bruins in the next few games with matchups against Rutgers and Washington sandwiched between a showdown with Iowa.

UCLA head men's basketball coach Mick Cronin lambasted his team Tuesday night following a blowout loss to Michigan.

Speaking to reporters on the heels of a 94-75 home defeat at the hands of the No. 24 Wolverines, Cronin criticized his team for soft play and a lack of energy and passion:

Mick Cronin went OFF on his players following their loss to Michigan 😳

“We’re soft… Every day, I have more passion and energy in practice than anybody else. I’m tired of it. It’s a joke… The truth of it is, it’s really hard to coach guys who are delusional” pic.twitter.com/abGQdPkfQN

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 8, 2025

Cronin said he is "tired" of having more energy, passion and pride than his players and assistant coaches every day at practice before adding: "It's really hard to coach people that are delusional. The hungry dog gets the bone. We've got guys that think they're way better than they are. They're nice kids, they're completely delusional about who they are."

Tuesday marked No. 22 UCLA's second consecutive loss and third loss in its past four outings.

The Bruins started 10-1, beating then-No. 12 Oregon, Washington and Arizona along the way before suffering a narrow, 76-74 loss to North Carolina on Dec. 21.

While UCLA bounced back with a huge win over then-No. 14 Gonzaga on Dec. 28, the next game was a major letdown, as the Bruins fell 66-58 to Nebraska, suffering their first Big Ten loss of the season in the process.

Each of UCLA's first three losses this season were by single digits, but Cronin's team was completely outclassed by Michigan on Tuesday, dropping UCLA to 11-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

The Bruins had no answers for center Vladislav Goldin, who went off for 36 points on 13-of-18 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. UCLA also surrendered 20 points to Tre Donaldson and 17 points to Nimari Burnett.

All told, Michigan shot a sizzling 61.5 percent from the field and 53.6 percent from beyond the arc. The Wolverines also won the rebounding battle 35-27 and held UCLA to 41.7 percent shooting from the floor and just 2-of-20 shooting from deep.

UCLA is one of the most accomplished and celebrated college basketball programs of all time, having won 11 national titles, but that level of success has been hard to come by lately.

Cronin led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 2021 to 2023, which included one trip to the Final Four and two additional Sweet 16 results, but the Bruins missed the tourney with a 16-17 mark last season.

It initially looked like UCLA was poised to bounce back and return to prominence this season, but based on the team's recent struggles, it is difficult to say how the rest of the season will play out.

Cronin has a career record of 491-228 during his 22 seasons as a head coach at Murray State, Cincinnati and UCLA, making 14 NCAA tournament appearances along the way.

During his postgame press conference on Tuesday, Cronin alluded to the fact that he already has almost 500 career coaching wins at the age of 53, and he seemed to absolve himself of any blame for the team's poor play.

Cronin putting everything on the shoulders of his players could be the type of bold move that inspires them, but it could just as easily backfire if they feel like they don't have his support.

The initial effects of Cronin's speech will be felt Friday when the Bruins go on the road to face the 11-4 Maryland Terrapins.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is going pro.

The UCLA star and 2022-23 Pac-12 Player of the Year announced on Thursday that he's declaring for this year's NBA draft:

Bruin 4 life 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/1nvJZCKvsE

— Jaime Jaquez Jr (@jaquez_jr) April 6, 2023

While Jaquez played four seasons and graduated from UCLA, he had one more year of eligibility left if he wanted to return to the Bruins after the COVID-19 pandemic cut the 2019-20 season short and the NCAA didn't count that season against an athlete's eligibility.

But leaving for the NBA makes sense.

Alongside being the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Jaquez was also a consensus second-team All-America selection after averaging 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three.

We are forever grateful for the hard work, determination & immense contributions of Jaime Jaquez Jr. (@jaquez_jr).

More remarks here ⤵️, from @CoachMickCronin.#GoBruins 🏀 pic.twitter.com/s76zgYWp3I

— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) April 6, 2023

An incredible career with the Bruins 🙌

Thank you, Jaime Jaquez Jr. 👏 @UCLAMBB pic.twitter.com/swshR0xzKs

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2023

He led UCLA to 31-6 record, a regular-season conference championship, a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament and an appearance in the Sweet 16, where they lost to No. 3-seed Gonzaga.

As for his NBA upside, B/R's Jonathan Wasserman had him ranked as the No. 37 prospect available in his latest big board, noting that his "stability has been a selling point in itself, as he's consistently given UCLA needed production and toughness to win games and advance in tournaments."

That said, he added that "scouts have valid questions about how well he'll be able to separate in the NBA, a problem if the lack of three-point improvement means he's hit a permanent shooting wall."

But he brings solid size to the table on the wing at 6'7" and is an enticing two-way prospect who can get buckets inside the arc, a skill set that Wasserman believes could translate to Jaquez being "a small-ball 4 until his shot becomes more reliable."

If his perimeter shot ever improves enough for him to become a true 3-and-D wing, he could end up being a steal in the draft. Wings who can defend and shoot are in vogue in the modern NBA.

Regardless, Jaquez knows his role will be changing at the next level. Not that he's sweating it.

"It's going to be a smooth transition because I know how to play with other great players, whether it's defending the other team's best player, knocking down open shots, or being a playmaker and facilitator," he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony. "I'm an underrated passer. I believe in my shooting and the work I put in. I know I can shoot the ball. I'll do whatever, as long as we win."

Another UCLA-Gonzaga matchup, another storybook ending.

But unfortunately for the Bruins, it was Gonzaga's Julian Strawther's shot with one second remaining in the game that won it for the Bulldogs 79-76 and sent them to the Elite Eight to take on UConn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

It looked like UCLA had found a way to steal the game after Amari Bailey knocked down a three with 13 seconds left to put the Bruins up one, but much like the 2021 Final Four matchup between to the two programs, it just wasn't meant to be.

Strawther was an unexpected hero for Gonzaga after struggling for long stretches of the game. He did finish with 16 points but went just 5-of-15 from the field.

In the span of a few seconds, however, he wrote himself into March Madness lore with one of the tournament's most clutch shots, and in front of his hometown crowd no less.

And Twitter could not get enough of it.

JULIAN STRAWTHER FOR THE WIN

GONZAGA IS GOING TO THE ELITE 8 https://t.co/UYWfOMZKeJ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2023

"THIS MY CITY." 🗣

Julian Strawther hit a GW in his hometown 🔥 https://t.co/HRSysT80sA

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2023

Julian Strawther with a double double & 3-8 from 3 including the biggest three of the night

Hard to imagine this game doesn't impact his draft stock. He's a shooting specialist prospect

— Rich Stayman (@RichStayman) March 24, 2023

I cannot believe what we just witnessed.
All-time levels of madness. Julian Strawther just became a Gonzaga hero. Absolute heartbreak for UCLA.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 24, 2023

Jalen Suggs watching Julian Strawther hit a game winning 3 to beat UCLA in March pic.twitter.com/CUr3PSrDFT

— Cleveland Sports Fans (and bettors!) (@CLE_SPORTS_FANS) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme: “I’m the biggest Julian Strawther fan in this planet” pic.twitter.com/btIflOZoOz

— Alyssa Charlston-Smith (@Alyssacharlston) March 24, 2023

Julian Strawther 🤝 Kris Jenkinspic.twitter.com/axgYQwmAeM

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 24, 2023

when julian strawther hit that ridiculous logo three

(the audio of this video is not safe for the internet🤣) pic.twitter.com/VT3SnBqz9Z

— Jamie Hudson (@JamieHudsonKOIN) March 24, 2023

Las Vegas’ Julian Strawther!!!!!!!

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 24, 2023

But Strawther would've never been in a position to knock down that three-pointer if it wasn't for the play of Gonzaga's star and senior leader Drew Timme.

Trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, the Bulldogs rode Timme's 36-point, 14-rebound masterclass that helped them storm back, take the lead, almost blow it and then eventually win the game.

He now has the most 20-plus point games in tournament history with 10.

It looked like Timme's performance was going to be wasted in the first half as he scored 19 points but the Bulldogs seemed incapable of stopping a UCLA offense that had three double-digit scorers in the opening 20 minutes.

Timme's teammates combined for just 14 in the opening frame. But he kept the Bruins in the torture chamber all night and eventually got some help in the form of Strawther and Malachi Smith who poured in 14 points and six rebounds.

Timme did miss two late free throws which opened the door for Bailey's shot, but that'll be forgotten after the win.

It's the second-consecutive game in which Timme has had to drag Gonzaga back from a double-digit deficit, the Bulldogs trailed by 10 against TCU in the round of 32.

He refuses to let his illustrious collegiate career end and as the stakes have risen, so has his play.

Drew Timme can do it all 🤩 @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/qke4izkXui

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 24, 2023

Amari Bailey and Drew Timme going at it like a @Ballislife mixtape 🔥

— Pat Benson (@Pat_Benson_Jr) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme doing it all for Gonzaga tonight like pic.twitter.com/3bfuClApdw

— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) March 24, 2023

Appreciate Drew Timme. This guy is a generational college post player

— Ky (@Ky_3MW) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme footwork vs 18-19 year old college kids pic.twitter.com/wqzYLVYymJ

— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme carrying Gonzagapic.twitter.com/LCvPbuMhTv

— Overtime (@overtime) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme is the first men's player ever to have ten 20+ point games in the NCAA Tournament.

H/T @ESPNStatsInfo | @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/I4PhC75CVd

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 24, 2023

drew timme fighting this one on his own

— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme against the entire UCLA roster tonight https://t.co/UQAHFsB4VH

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 24, 2023

Drew Timme is a legend for this performance, win or loss. Single handedly trying to win this thing.

— Steven Karr (@SKarrG0) March 24, 2023

The Bulldogs won't have a whole lot to celebrate the win as they move on to face UConn, who has looked like perhaps the most complete team in the entire tournament thus far, especially after dominating a talented Arkansas team 88-65 in an earlier game Thursday.

The Huskies have won each of their games by at least 15 points. The two teams will face off Saturday night.

Watch March Madness Live to stream every tournament game through the Final Four.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. continued his strong start to the NCAA tournament Saturday night, and UCLA needed every bit of his performance as the Bruins had a nervy performance in their 68-63 win over Northwestern at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Jaquez dropped a game-high 24 points to go along with eight rebounds and four assists as the Bruins managed to hold off the surging Wildcats, who were able to crawl their way back into the game from a double-digit first-half deficit.

The Bruins led by as many as 13 in the first 20 minutes and took a 35-25 lead into halftime, but Northwestern's hot start to the second half saw the Wildcats tie things up at 45 with 11 minutes remaining.

They were never able to take the lead, however, thanks to timely shot-making from UCLA.

For the third straight year, UCLA has danced its way into the Sweet 16, and with Kansas getting upset against Arkansas earlier in the day, the No. 2 Bruins remain the highest seed left in the West Region.

UCLA fans were hyped on Twitter, though there were some nervous moments.

.@UCLAMBB is headed to its third straight Sweet 16! 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/kUEPhOeDmJ

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2023

https://twitter.com/MattMurph24/status/1637288719425196034

https://twitter.com/Schieff/status/1637247113883951104

This game is making me nervous #MarchMadness Let’s Go UCLA pic.twitter.com/GnKFlsNvFw

— Steven Sparks 🏀🎥🏆 (@scubasteve4289) March 19, 2023

UCLA is about to grind out an ugly win. And it's beautiful.

Bruins are championship good.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 19, 2023

UCLA won its 16th straight NCAA Tournament win played in the state of California, which ties Duke — from 1999-2011 — as the 2nd-longest NCAA Tournament win streak in a team’s home state all-time. pic.twitter.com/GojjbZr98p

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 19, 2023

What a gr8 job @CoachMickCronin has done with @UCLAMBB .Bruins r heading to the Sweet 16 in @MarchMadnessMBB with W 68-63 vs a good @NUMensBball team . Also @CoachSampsonUH who is posting HOF #’s has @UHCougarMBK going to Sweet 16 with 81-64 win over Auburn .

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 19, 2023

Three straight NCAA Tournaments for Mick Cronin at UCLA, three straight Sweet 16 appearances.

Cronin has done a phenomenal job in Westwood. Bruins are back to being a consistent force in this sport.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 19, 2023

UCLA coach mick cronin complimenting jaime jaquez in post-game on tnt. "I'm trying to get him to take a fifth year.''

— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) March 19, 2023

I think Jaime Jaquez is the best player in the country

— Tanner McGrath (@tannerstruth) March 19, 2023

What a player. Proud to say this guy is from my home town and alma mater. Jaime Jaquez Jr. Great win UCLA beating Northwestern. pic.twitter.com/kn6CkXCNsl

— Z (@copperminer6) March 19, 2023

The win wasn't all positive for UCLA, however, as fifth-year guard David Singleton went down with what looked like a nasty ankle injury in the final minutes of the game. Singleton hit the three-pointer that put the Bruins up six with under two minutes remaining.

He was taken to the locker room but was later seen back on the bench and participating in the postgame handshake line.

David Singleton might be really hurt here, hope he just pulled something but when Mick Cronin comes onto the court immediately it's not good. Singleton throws an arm around trainer Tyler Lesher he's in so much pain.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) March 19, 2023

Scary Scene in Sacramento: UCLA's David Singleton is being helped off the floor with an apparent ankle injury.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 19, 2023

David Singleton is back on the UCLA bench, standing under his own power with no trainer.

— Jon Christon (@jon_christon) March 19, 2023

David Singleton is walking through the handshake line --- GREAT sign for UCLA entering next week in the Sweet 16. https://t.co/72N9hXcRFv

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 19, 2023

Already without Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Jaylen Clark, who will miss the rest of the year with an Achilles injury suffered in UCLA's regular-season finale, the potential loss of Singleton would be a significant blow for the Bruins.

They will now look to rest up for the second weekend and are set to face the winner between No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 6 TCU, who will play Sunday.

---

Watch March Madness Live to stream every tournament game through the Final Four.

If there were any doubts about UCLA being a championship contender in the NCAA tournament, they were put to bed after the Bruins trounced UNC Asheville 86-53 on Thursday night at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Bruins arguably had the most dominant performance of any team playing in the first day of the tournament as they flexed not only an impressive and efficient offense but also their defense that ranks top 10 in all of Division I.

UNC Asheville were held to just 37 percent shooting from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while committing 16 turnovers. Just suffocating stuff from coach Mick Cronin's team.

UCLA was led by Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Amari Bailey, who finished with 17 apiece. But the bruins also received meaningful contributions from its role players like Kenneth Nwuba and Mac Etienne, who combined for 20 points and a perfect 9-of-9 from the field.

It was a total team performance by UCLA and Twitter was raving about it.

It's been all UCLA so far 💪

They take a 21-point lead into the break 🤯#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/sckv0ydzHV

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 17, 2023

My. Goodness. UCLA has opened the NCAA Tournament on a 14-0 run. Bruins off to a perfect start against UNC Asheville.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 17, 2023

https://twitter.com/MattMurph24/status/1636562838939475968

https://twitter.com/MattMurph24/status/1636560742055813122

Kenneth Nwuba and Mac Etienne have combined for 18 points on 8/8 shooting. Wow. pic.twitter.com/QMKvhVDbBW

— Mike Regalado 🏀🏈🎧 (@MikeRegaladoLA) March 17, 2023

I feel pretty confidently that if #UCLA had Jaylen Clark they would be the favorite to win #MarchMadness2023! Shoot, they might win the whole thing even w/o him! Adem Bona is expected back soon as well which will add even more size and D to the front court!

— LJ Ginger (@LJGinger) March 17, 2023

Amari Bailey is a hooper I hope we get him back for another season

— GC (@Sheckdiesel) March 17, 2023

This is how a 2 plays vs a 15 💙💛

— Manny del Rosario (@gshock200) March 17, 2023

Jaime Jaquez #LeagueHim

— T (@knickswolves_04) March 17, 2023

Amari Bailey has been “Westbrooking” before our eyes these last few games! #GoBruins https://t.co/JlMHcyXlle

— AP (@APbruin) March 17, 2023

Losing Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Jaylen Clark to an Achilles injury in the regular season finale left people wondering if the Bruins would be the same team come tournament time. And through at least one game they look up to the challenge.

It'll of course be a leap up in competition in the Round of 32 as the Bruins get to take on Northwestern and its dangerous backcourt of Boo Buie and Chase Audige on Saturday before a potential date with Gonzaga in the Sweet 16.

Despite playing without two starters, UCLA led Arizona for most of Saturday's Pac-12 Championship Game.

Just not at the final buzzer.

Dylan Andrews missed a game-winning three as time expired, allowing Arizona to sneak by with a 61-59 victory and give Tommy Lloyd his second conference title in as many seasons.

Ąžuolas Tubelis finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Courtney Ramey knocked down a three with 18 seconds remaining to put the Wildcats ahead for good.

UCLA had chances for redemption, with Tyger Campbell missing a game-tying free throw with seven seconds remaining and Andrews' three clanked off the side of the rim as the buzzer sounded.

Both teams earned praise on social media following the thriller:

Arizona took 2 of 3 from UCLA and has a better out of conference schedule.

Committee has a decision to make in my opinion.

— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) March 12, 2023

Arizona’s offense is very, very good. They average 80+ points per game.

UCLA held them to 61 points with our two best defensive starters out.

Heck of an effort by the Bruins. This team is so tough. https://t.co/UiwTVkiEzC

— Peter Eric (@4thGenBruin) March 12, 2023

What's impressive is how Arizona beat UCLA in the Pac-12 Tournament championship in two straight seasons.

Both times, the Wildcats were on the ropes. And they fought back both times.

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 12, 2023

That was one hell of a game. Props to Arizona outlasting UCLA and props to UCLA for fighting to the end with two starters out.
UCLA deserves that No. 1 seed in the West Region.

— Mike Regalado 🏀🏈🎧 (@MikeRegaladoLA) March 12, 2023

Arizona wins a classic over UCLA in Las Vegas.

Incredible effort by the Bruins sans Jaylen Clark, Adem Bona, and down the stretch, Mac Etienne and Kenneth Nwuba. https://t.co/yuywzXrfxg

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 12, 2023

Won the conference by 4 games, lost 2 starters to injuries and got into a rock fight decided by a shot at the buzzer for the tournament title. UCLA is easily the best team in the conference and they are so easy to root for. What a squad.

— Ryan Rosenblatt, World Series Champion (@RyanRosenblatt) March 12, 2023

Arizona and UCLA will both go into Selection Sunday as likely No. 2 seeds, with both hoping to land in the coveted West bracket. The Bruins have a better overall resume and won the regular-season Pac-12 championship, but Arizona's now won two of three matchups and has a far healthier roster heading into the NCAA tournament.

It's fair to wonder if the head-to-head matchup, along with UCLA's Jaylen Clark being out with a season-ending injury (and Adem Bona being a question mark), is enough for the committee to flip the teams in final seedings.

ESPN's Joe Lunardi has UCLA as the No. 2 seed in the West and Arizona taking the No. 2 slot in the Midwest.

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Make your picks: Play the NCAA March Madness Men's Bracket Challenge and Tournament Run.

UCLA men's basketball guard Jaylen Clark will reportedly miss the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury, per Jeff Goodman of Stadium.

BREAKING: UCLA’s Jaylen Clark is out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury, source told @Stadium.

Brutal blow to the Bruins hopes of going deep in the NCAA tourney.

Clark is arguably the best defender in the country, also emerged as a solid third scoring option.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 8, 2023

Clark suffered an apparent non-contact injury during UCLA's 82-73 win over Arizona on Saturday.

Early in the second half, Clark stole the ball from Arizona guard Courtney Ramey and went in for a layup to put UCLA 48-37.

After landing on the floor following the layup, Clark immediately limped off the court after Arizona called a timeout. David Singleton checked in for him.

Losing Clark is a tremendous blow for the Pac-12 regular-season champion Bruins.

The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year has averaged 13.0 points on 48.1 percent shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game for the No. 2 team in the nation, which has gone 27-4 overall and appears destined for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Clark is tied with teammate Jaime Jaquez Jr. for first on the team with 2.8 defensive win shares, per Sports-Reference. His 11.8 box plus/minus leads the team.

UCLA still has plenty of talent on its roster led by Jaquez, the conference's Player of the Year. Singleton has shot 43.4 percent from three, and point guard Tyger Campbell is tops on the team with 4.7 assists.

The Bruins will play the winner of No. 8 Washington and No. 9 Colorado in the second round of the Pac-12 tournament on Thursday in Las Vegas.