
The Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament has a long history, with the modern format beginning in 1987. The 2023 tournament was held in March, with all 12 schools participating and Arizona coming out as the winner, receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The University of Oregon Ducks also demonstrated their prowess, making a comeback in the second half of the matchup with Colorado to win their sixth Pac-12 Tournament title. Arizona also has a strong basketball history, having won the National Championship in 1997 and the Pac-12 Tournament in 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of the first Pac-12 men's basketball tournament | 1987 |
| Winner of the first tournament | UCLA |
| Year of the first NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament | 1939 |
| Winner of the first NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament | Oregon |
| Year of the last Pac-12 men's basketball tournament | 2024 |
| Number of teams that participated in the 2012 tournament | 12 |
| Location of the 2012 tournament | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas |
| Pac-12 school that has never played in the championship game | Washington State |
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What You'll Learn

Oregon won the 1939 championship
The Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the predecessor of the Pac-12, began playing basketball in the 1915–16 season. In the 1922–23 season, the PCC was divided into North and South Divisions for basketball. The winners of these divisions would compete in a best-of-three series to determine the PCC basketball champion.
In 1939, the first-ever NCAA Men's Basketball Championship tournament took place. Oregon, the 1939 PCC champion, won the championship game, becoming the inaugural winner of the tournament. This victory also made Oregon the PCC divisional playoff winner, earning them an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.
Oregon's victory in the 1939 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament is particularly notable as it marked the beginning of a long and prestigious history of the tournament. Since its inception, 36 different teams have gone on to win a championship, with UCLA leading the way with 11 titles, 10 of which were won during a remarkable 12-year period from 1964 to 1975.
The modern Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament format was introduced in 1987 but was discontinued after 1990 due to opposition from coaches and financial constraints. However, the tournament was revived in 2000, recognising its potential to enhance the exposure of the conference and improve the seeding of the schools in the NCAA tournament.
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UCLA won the inaugural tournament in 1987
The first Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament, also known as the Pac-10 tournament, was held in 1987. UCLA won the inaugural tournament, which was hosted at different school sites. UCLA's team, the Bruins, were awarded the championship.
UCLA has a strong history in the Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament, having won 11 national titles, the most of any Division I team. The team has continued to perform well in the years since their 1987 win, solidifying their place as a powerhouse in the Pac-12 Conference.
The 1987 tournament was the first incarnation of the modern tournament format, which ran from 1987 to 1990. After 1990, the tournament was dropped due to opposition from coaches and poor revenue and attendance. It is worth noting that the Pac-12 Conference itself has a longer history, with its predecessor, the Pacific Coast Conference, beginning to play basketball in the 1915-16 season.
UCLA's win in the inaugural Pac-10 tournament in 1987 set a precedent for their future success in the conference and established them as a force to be reckoned with in men's college basketball. The team has gone on to accumulate an impressive number of championships and continues to be a prominent contender in the world of college basketball.
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Arizona State won the 1969 and 1977 National Championships
Arizona State University, also known as the Sun Devils, won the 1969 and 1977 National Championships as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Sun Devils' first baseball season in the Pac-12 was in 1979. The university's basketball team has a rich history, with their predecessor conference, the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), beginning to play basketball in the 1915-16 season.
The 1969 NCAA University Division men's basketball tournament involved 25 schools competing to determine the national champion. The tournament began on March 8, 1969, and concluded with the championship game on March 22 in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 29 games were played, including consolation games in each region and an overall consolation game.
UCLA, coached by John Wooden, won the 1969 national title with a 92-72 victory over Purdue in the final game. Lew Alcindor of UCLA was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, scoring 37 points in the final. Arizona State's victory in the 1977 National Championship further solidified their place in the history of collegiate basketball.
The Pac-12 Conference, of which Arizona State University is a part, has a long and illustrious history in men's basketball, with the PCC, its predecessor, dating back to 1915. The conference has produced numerous successful teams and players over the years, contributing to the rich legacy of collegiate basketball in the United States.
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Oregon won the 1974 National Title
Oregon has had a rich history in the Pac-12 men's basketball tournament, winning the 1974 National Title. This was a significant achievement for the team, and it marked the beginning of Oregon's success in the tournament.
The 1974 victory set a precedent for Oregon, as they went on to establish themselves as a formidable force in the competition. Oregon's performance in the 1974 tournament laid the foundation for the team's future success and cemented their place as one of the top contenders in the Pac-12 Conference.
Oregon's win in the 1974 National Title game was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent. The team's performance in the tournament showcased their ability to rise to the challenge and compete at the highest level. Their victory not only brought pride to their university but also inspired future generations of Oregon athletes.
The 1974 National Title win by Oregon holds a special place in the history of the Pac-12 men's basketball tournament. It served as a turning point, showcasing the potential of the Oregon Ducks in the sport. The victory also contributed to the overall prestige and competitiveness of the Pac-12 Conference, elevating its reputation in college basketball.
Oregon's triumph in 1974 continues to be celebrated as a landmark achievement, and it has left an indelible mark on the tradition of excellence in the Pac-12 men's basketball tournament. The team's success in claiming the National Title inspired a legacy that has endured for decades, with Oregon going on to secure additional Pac-12 Conference victories in subsequent years, including another National Title in 2016.
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California won the 2004 National Title
The tournament began on March 16, 2004, and concluded with the championship game on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. A total of 64 games were played, with each game bringing its own set of thrilling moments and memorable plays. California's victory in the tournament not only brought pride to their school but also showcased the talent and dedication of their basketball team.
While specific details of California's journey in the tournament are not readily available, it is safe to assume that they faced tough competition and had to bring their best game to emerge victorious. Their victory in the 2004 National Title game solidified their place in the history of Pac-12 men's basketball and served as a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
It is worth noting that the Pac-12 Conference, which California is a part of, has a rich history in men's basketball. The conference began playing basketball in the 1915-16 season, and the competition has only intensified since then. The road to the championship within the Pac-12 Conference is never easy, and California's triumph in 2004 is a testament to their resilience and talent.
California's win in the 2004 National Title game will forever be etched in the annals of Pac-12 men's basketball history. Their achievement inspired future generations of athletes and added to the proud legacy of their university's athletic program. The victory also brought recognition to the talented athletes and dedicated coaches who represented California with determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
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Frequently asked questions
Oregon won the 1939 PCC championship and went on to win the 1939 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.
The modern Pac-12 tournament format began in 1987 as the Pacific-10 Men's Basketball Tournament.
Washington State is the only school out of the Pac-12 schools that has never played in the championship game.











































