Pac-10 Men's Tourney Presents Sense of Urgency

With the annual Pac-10 Tournament getting off to an exciting start last night, with Oregon knocking-off Washington State in overtime to earn a date with top-seeded Cal, every team in the league enters the event with an added sense of urgency.

For the last few months, scribes around the country have labeled the league as having a down year. Granted, the conference didn't register a sparkling non-conference record in the early-season months of November and December. Thus, it is hard to argue with the critics.

However, take a look at the way the league has shaped-up. There are no "gimme" games in the Pac-10 this year. Every weekend, teams have had to compete at their highest levels just to maintain pace in a parity-filled league.

So, it's hard to predict what will happen at the Pac-10 Tournament this weekend. Eight teams remain - each with a great chance to have its name called with the NCAA Tournament selection show takes place Sunday afternoon.

Every game of the tournament will be televised by FSN, with the championship airing on CBS. So, watch but don't be surprised if there are a few "upsets" along the way... Just not for the Huskies, of course!

Here is a quick roundup of media coverage headed into the tourney:

Thomas taking hold of the reins on offense

After a season on the edge, Huskies built for NCAA run

Huskies head to Pac-10 tournament trying to bubble to the surface

Washington fans keeping an eye on other conference tournaments

Huskies' 'season is on the line'

No comfort zone left for Huskies

Beavers look to reverse losing trend vs. Washington