Arizona has been the most dominant team in the conference. (NT)

Colorado, Stanford and Utah, meanwhile, went home with two losses, searching for answers early in conference play. Oregon and Washington won huge intra-state matchups versus their arch rivals.

Here are some opening thoughts from the beginning of Pac-12 play.

ARIZONA GRINDS OUT HOMESTAND

With two unimpressive victories over Colorado and Utah, No. 4 Arizona looked sluggish in the opening weekend of conference play.

Against Colorado, Arizona survived a three-point scare at the buzzer to force overtime, winning the game 92-83. In that second-half comeback, Arizona scored 53 points in the frame shooting over 60 percent in that span.

Versus a much-maligned Utah squad, Arizona won a slow paced affair by three points. The Wildcats were held to only 36-percent shooting from the field but was bailed out by the play of Solomon Hill. The senior scored 19 points on the night and hit a critical three-point jumper with 5:03 remaining in the game.

In both contests the Wildcats were outshot from the field getting poor performances from their supposed best scorers, Mark Lyons and Nick Johnson. They combined to shoot 30 percent from the field (15-50), something that must improve. 

With a rough road slate against Oregon and Oregon St. looming, Arizona will need to regain its undefeated swagger.

ARIZONA STATE'S IMPRESSIVE SEASON

Arizona St. is becoming the darling of the conference, after winning games over Utah and Colorado last week, improving its record to 13-2. 

Arizona St. will face some of its toughest competition in Pac-12 play after rolling through a relatively soft non-conference schedule, featuring one ranked opponent. After an overtime win over Utah and a strong victory against Colorado, the Sun Devils cemented their case as one of the best teams in the conference.

This team is playing with chemistry led by redshirt freshman-sensation Jahii Carson, who is averaging 16.7 points per game. Jordan Bachynski and Carrick Felix are dominating the glass, combining for 15 rebounds per contest including seven games with double-doubles.

The major concern for this team stands at the free-throw line, shooting a Pac-12 worst 63 percent from the charity stripe. Watch out for the Sun Devils because of their balanced style of play and inspired persona on the court.

UCLA RIDING HOT STREAK

After a huge non-conference victory over Missouri, UCLA continued its momentum into Pac-12 play. With impressive wins over Stanford and Cal by a combined 22 points, the Bruins extended their winning streak to an impressive seven games.

Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson have thrived in their roles with the Bruins, becoming the best tandem in the conference. Muhammad scored 16 points against Cal and 23 points versus Stanford, a game in which he also recorded 10 rebounds.

Anderson has been dominating the glass, recording 12 rebounds in both games. Now averaging close to nine rebounds per contest, Anderson has become one of the most balanced players on UCLA’s roster. Down low, the Wear brothers are making an immense impact, combining for 19 points per-game shooting 50-percent from the field.

Point guard Larry Drew II has embraced his role after transferring from North Carolina -- he posted 16 combined assists last week, developing into the leader of Ben Howland’s offense. The Bruins' combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess make them one of the most dangerous teams to face, moving forward, in college basketball.

CIVIL WAR QUITE ONE-SIDED AFFAIR

In the Oregon Civil War, the Ducks defeated the Beavers 79-66 in a telling game for both programs. After falling behind by double figures in the first half, Oregon heated up from the field.

E.J. Singler and Damyean Dotson carried the Ducks, combining for 36 points and 15 rebounds in a physical contest. With impressive wins over UNLV, Vanderbilt, Nebraska and now Oregon St., the Ducks are well tested and have showcased their high-paced offense.

The Ducks' 38th-ranked scoring offense thrives on second-chance points and a high-tempo attack for 40 solid minutes. The Beavs have a never-die mentality that will make them tough to defeat in conference play.

Expect both the Oregon St, Beavers and the Oregon Ducks to be strong competition amongst the elite in the conference.

BEST STAT LINE:

Jason Washburn, Sr. Utah: 19 Points, 18 Rebounds, 4 Blocks, 54% FG

WORST STAT LINE:

Chasson Randle, So. Stanford: 0 Points, 2 Rebounds, 3 Turnovers, 15 Minutes Played as Starter

Upcoming Schedule:

Wednesday: Washington State will face Stanford, each searching for their first win in conference. Washington travels to Berkeley to face the guard-heavy Cal Bears.

Thursday: USC at Colorado, Arizona at Oregon in what should be a high-scoring affair. UCLA will travel to Utah to face one the largest frontcourts in the conference. Finally, Arizona St. heads up to Corvallis to square with Oregon State.

Reach Staff Writer Evan Budrovich here, or follow him on Twitter.