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Strong Performance

A solid defensive effort last time out helped keep UCLA atop the Pac-10 standings.

The sixth-ranked Bruins could be in for another strong performance Thursday when they host Oregon State, which hasn't won a conference game in almost a year.

Getting Defensive Again

After a listless start to this month, Washington State's defense is once again playing at a high level. Meanwhile, guards Taylor Rochestie and Derrick Low have been instrumental to the team's turnaround on the offensive end.

Rochestie and Low look to lead the 17th-ranked Cougars to their fourth straight victory when they host Arizona State on Thursday.

Pitt Takes on Irish

For a pair of teams in the same conference, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh don't see each other very often. Considering the way the series has gone recently, Mike Brey's squad may wish it could stay that way.

The No. 21 Fighting Irish look to snap a five-game losing streak against the Panthers on Thursday while trying to extend their school-record home winning streak to 35 games.

Trying to Move up

A pair of dominant wins helped Marquette return to the Top 25. Another convincing victory can help it move up.

The 25th-ranked Golden Eagles look to continue their climb within the poll whey they play St. John's on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Not The Same Team

When Michigan State traveled to State College earlier this month, it was on a five-game winning streak, ranked in the top 10 and tied atop the Big Ten standings.

The Spartans left town after an embarrassing loss, and haven't been the same since.

The No. 19 Spartans (20-5, 8-4) look to avoid a third straight defeat for the first time in more than a year Wednesday when they host the Nittany Lions, who have never won in 15 visits to East Lansing.