Suddenly, the Math Isn’t so Fuzzy

The math works not only for the Bruins to qualify for the Pacific 10 Conference tournament but to gain a better first-round draw.

The X-factor in the equation, however, is that UCLA must do something at which it is not proficient -- win games.

UCLA, 6-17 overall and 3-11 in the conference, is in ninth place, a half game behind Washington (4-11) and two games behind Oregon State (5-9) and USC (5-9). Only the top eight teams make the tournament, so one of those four will join Washington State (1-13) on the sidelines.

It’s not inconceivable for the Bruins to win three of their last four games because the opponents are Oregon State, Oregon (8-6), Washington State and Washington.

Six victories might be enough to gain the No. 7 seeding and avoid playing No. 1 Arizona in the first round. California and Stanford are tied for second, and UCLA matches up reasonably well against either one.

Stanford Coach Mike Montgomery believes the Bruins would be a dangerous draw.

“They seem to have put the turmoil behind them and are playing with confidence,” he said. “It wasn’t a bad move to put Ray Young at point guard. It puts five good players, five good athletes, on the floor.

“I feel like they have a chance to win the Pac-10 tournament. There is not a lot for them to lose at this point. They have their heads up and have decided to play. Frankly, that’s a tribute to Steve [Lavin].”

Lavin, the Bruin coach, is making no predictions. Not after watching his team lose 11 of its last 13 games.

“Guarded optimism, that’s all I can say right now,” he said. “If we play better basketball, maybe we’ll be in a position to make something happen.”