Around the Pac-10

Oregon coach Ernie Kent defended his position, which has come under fire with the Ducks sporting a sub-.500 record this season. “We have raised the bar around here,” Kent said, blaming some of the pressure to win on his own prior success in Eugene. “It’s our era and the expectations are so high. That’s OK.” … Oregon State head coach Jay John said he’s allowed Jason Fontenet to return to the team after last week’s suspension because Fontenet “reaffirmed his commitment to the program.” It remains to be seen how much he will play tonight against WSU. … Matt Haryasz of Stanford managed to play last week despite the eye injury he had suffered, and head coach Trent Johnson said the senior’s vision is now back to 100 percent.