Washington clinches share of Pac-10 title

Staff Writer

Feb. 28, 2009 5:15 PM PT

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UCLA saw one of its preseason goals slip away -- at least partially -- before getting a chance to take the court against California this evening.

Washington’s 83-78 victory over Arizona on Saturday afternoon guaranteed the 21st-ranked Huskies at least a share of the Pacific 10 Conference regular-season title.

The 22nd-ranked Bruins were shooting for their fourth consecutive outright Pac-10 title.

They can still can manage a tie, but will need to win the rest of their games and get some help. If the Huskies defeat Washington State next week -- or if some of their pursuers lose -- they will claim their first outright title since 1953.

‘It wasn’t pretty by any means,’ Huskies forward Jon Brockman told the Associated Press after his team’s victory. ‘We can celebrate for a little bit.’

-- David Wharton

Sports Now

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.