The Last Push, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. After two tough losses to end the regular season, the Duck's impressive win over Washington is keeping them alive in the PAC 12. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, Arsalan Kazemi scored 11 points in overtime to lead the Ducks to the victory. Up next, Oregon tries to redeem their loss to Utah after the Utes shocked Cal in the quarterfinals. Of the four teams left in the tourny, three of them are going to make the Big Dance regardless the outcome of a Conference tournament. With our recent struggles, I think it's important to head into the NCAA Tournament with momentum on your side.
The Western Conference is usually pretty tight this time of year, but the race for the final playoff spot is nearing the home stretch. The disappointment of the Laker's season isn't a lost cause just yet after taking over the eight spot for the time being. The difference between the six and nine seed isn't but only 3.5 games. Golden State, the sixth best in the west, are 7 games back of the red-hot Nuggets for the fifth spot. Not looking like any of these teams will be seeded higher than six, potentially five teams are scratching and clawing for postseason basketball.