Colorado spent this season as the wrench in the Pac-12 race. Sunday was no different.
A 70-57 win against league-leader Cal Sunday night vaulted Washington (20-8, 13-3 in Pac-12) into the conference lead and dropped the Bears (23-7, 13-4) into second with one week remaining in the season. Cal closes with Stanford on March 4. Washington travels to the L.A. schools.
A tie is probable, but the Huskies now have a clear-cut shot at the crown. Maybe they’ll send a thank-you card to Colorado.
The Buffs (19-9, 11-5) opened 3-0 and stayed relevant in the race, but seemed destined to fall short of more talented teams such as Cal and Washington.
But thanks to solid games by Austin Dufault and Spencer Dinwiddie, the Buffs can still earn a bye in the Pac-12 tournament. Not bad for their first season in the Pac-12.
You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.