COUGARS

FROM EUGENE -- WSU can play the role of spoiler today against the Ducks, who are still in the Pac-12 title hunt. We have some links to pass along as we preview another Saturday in the Pac-12.

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First we have a link to our advance, which focuses on the firepower Oregon has already displayed not only recently, but also against the Cougars earlier this season. We also have a blog post with additional notes and quotes from conversations with coach Ken Bone and D.J. Shelton yesterday. ... The Ducks, fresh off their dismantling of Washington, are trying to avoid a let-down. ... Bud Withers takes a look at the jumbled Pac-12 standings, and has some quality insight into what Brock Motum has meant to the Cougars this season. ... Mike Leach and his staff have already begun sending invites for the school's Junior Day.

Around the Pac-12 ...

Washington State at Oregon, 3 p.m.

Utah at Arizona, 11 a.m. (FSN): The Wildcats appear to be in good position to make a run at the Pac-12 title. The Utes do not. But could they be dangerous anyway?

California at UCLA, 1 p.m. (FSN): A Bears loss and a whole bunch of other occurrences could have the conference in a five-way tie for first place by the end of the weekend. It'll be a stiff test for the Bruins, who were picked to win the Pac-12. Maybe UCLA will be ready this time around.

Colorado at Arizona State, 3:30 p.m. (FSNAZ): The Buffaloes are in desperate need of a road win. ASU coach Herb Sendek is impressed with a large man who continues to perform basketball tasks well.

Washington plays Oregon State on Sunday, and can't afford to lay another egg there, assuming they get there in a timely fashion this time. The Beavers look to fill a leadership void. ... Stanford and USC play each other Sunday, as well. The Cardinal needs to shorten its rotation.

All for now. We'll be back before the game.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple