After starting conference play at 3-4, Cal is now only one game outside of the first place. Do they have a legitimate chance at winning the regular season championship?
Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: I think they can definitely tie for it and it might be easier than it seems as the Bears only have three games remaining and they are all at home. If they can win out at beat Stanford, Colorado and Utah all in Berkeley, then all they need is Oregon, Arizona and UCLA to lose at least one of their remaining games which is very possible.
Gekko Mojo, UW Dawg Pound: I don't want to sound pushy (bad pun, I know), but why not? Cal has veteran savvy, a star who can take over a close game, a grizzled coach and a manageable schedule. With Oregon and UCLA a little banged up, you never know.
Andy Wooldridge, Building The Dam: It seems unlikely, though certainly not impossible. But these situations where someone needs help from multiple corners usually don't quite work out. But claiming a first round bye in the tournament seems probable, and despite their limited depth, the way they are playing claiming that guaranteed berth for winning the tournament looks very doable.
Matt Takimoto, Addicted to Quack: I wouldn't stop at legitimate chance: with three home games left, all winnable, and holding the tiebreakers over Oregon and Arizona, they might just be the favorites at this point.
NorcalNick, California Golden Blogs: Three teams have to lose a game and Cal has to go undefeated. The facts sound iffy, but if ‘legitimate chance' means ‘if it happens, I wouldn't be shocked, then yeah Cal has a legitimate shot. I'd tab the UCLA/Arizona winner as the favorite, but after that Cal is as good a choice as anybody else.
Adam Butler, PacHoops: Legitimate? Yes. Likely? No. There are too many teams to jump (3) but they do hold a tie break over each of the three which is impressive to say the least.
Sean Reynolds, Block U: I don't think they'll do it. It's possible, of course, but probable? That's the better debate. Though, stranger things have happened.
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Cal Basketball: Pac-12 Championship Within Their Reach?
Could the California Golden Bears men's basketball team complete a stunning mid-season turnaround with a Pac-12 championship?