Corvallis Gazette-Times

It's already shaping up to be an interesting Pacific-10 Conference men's basketball season with a potential big-time showdown for Oregon this weekend.

The No. 16-ranked Ducks face top-ranked UCLA at McArthur Court on Saturday afternoon. They are two of the three unbeaten teams left in the country.

Oregon must first defeat Southern California tonight at home and No. 1 UCLA must avoid an upset at Gill Coliseum against Oregon State this evening.

Even if one of these teams stumble, this early-season game goes a long way in determining the top squad in the conference.

"It only shapes up if we win (tonight)," Oregon coach Ernie Kent said. "It's difficult to look ahead to Saturday. If we don't win it takes away from Saturday. And USC is a tough team we've had trouble with over the years."

The Ducks (13-0, 1-0) are coming off a come-from-behind victory in the Civil War. Before that they had an easy five-game stretch. Oregon started the season strong with impressive wins over Rice, Georgetown and Nebraska.

Wins have come with a patchwork lineup with several key players hurt. Guard Malik Hairston (heel) is questionable this weekend, Kent said. Point guard Tajuan Porter (toe) is at only at 50 percent.

"In our minds what we've done is manager our schedule," Kent said. "Yes, there were some huge wins. We played well at times. They are a year older, which makes them sustain mentally and physically longer. They are bigger and stronger because we've condition harder in the offseason. We play defense better from last year, too."

There are six players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Bryce Taylor at 16.8 points a game. Aaron Brooks has been the key player 16.5.

"They are different from last year in that they are more cohesive," OSU coach Jay John said. "They move the ball better. They're very explosive offensively. There's tremendous speed on that team. The skill level is high. Aaron Brooks has always been the anointed leader, but he's now delivering and now finishing. He's having a great senior year."

The Oregon women's team is on the road in Los Angeles this weekend. The Ducks (9-3) play USC Friday night, and then UCLA on Sunday afternoon.