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Dane Miller’s Week 18 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings

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  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports


The Selection Show is next week, and the conference tournaments are in full swing.

After two key wins last week, UCLA arguably locked up its at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Now with six teams from the region expected to receive bids, the remaining programs are fighting for their postseason lives.

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Santa Clara and New Mexico are the best candidates to get an invitation, while San Diego State, California, and Stanford are still in the picture.

Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West with one week to go until Selection Sunday.

Arizona football logo

1. Arizona (29-2, 16-2)

The Wildcats have the 1-seed in the West locked up after beating Iowa State and Colorado last week.

Tommy Lloyd’s team set the program record for most wins in a regular season, ending the year with 29 victories.

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But this team will always be defined by what happens in the NCAA Tournament. Anything short of a Final Four run would be a disappointment.

Gonzaga logo

2. Gonzaga (28-3, 16-2)

Mark Few’s team had a full week off. The Zags haven’t played since February 28 in a loss to Saint Mary’s on the road.

As the 1-seed in the WCC Tournament, Gonzaga faces Oregon State in the Semifinals.

Expected to be somewhere around a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament, another Sweet 16 run could be in the cards. But a loss in the Second Round wouldn’t be a shock.

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BYU Cougars logo

3. BYU (21-10, 9-9)

After getting blown out by Cincinnati earlier in the week, BYU took down Texas Tech in Provo. The win could change the outlook for the NCAA Tournament.

But the Big 12 Tournament is looming, and an early exit would be damaging. Kevin Young’s team enters Kansas City as a lowly 10-seed, facing Kansas State on Tuesday.

If the Conference tournament goes well, BYU might end up as high as a 6-seed in the Big Dance.

UCLA Bruins logo

4. UCLA (21-10, 13-7)

Don’t look now because UCLA is playing some of its best basketball of the season. Donovan Dent has been on a tear while the Bruins have won four of their last five.

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With recent victories over Illinois and Nebraska, UCLA has moved from a Bubble team to a lock for the NCAA Tournament.

The questions now become about seeding and region.

Saint Mary's espn

5. Saint Mary’s (27-4, 16-2)

As the 2-seed in the WCC Tournament, Saint Mary’s gets a full week off before returning to action.

The Gaels have already locked up their bid to the Big Dance and face Santa Clara in the Semifinals on Monday night.

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Consistently able to advance out of the Round of 64, don’t overlook Randy Bennett’s team. Perhaps this is finally the year they break through to the Sweet 16.

utah state espn

6. Utah State (25-6, 15-5)

The Aggies won the Mountain West Regular Season Championship in their final year in the league.

It’s a historic milestone for the only MWC team considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament. But how deep Utah State goes is an open question.

The blowout loss to UNLV last week put a damper on expectations. At this point, a loss in the First Round would not be unexpected.

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7. Santa Clara (24-7, 15-3)

Santa Clara took advantage of the chaos last week. Multiple Bubble teams lost, which made the Broncos’ path to the NCAA Tournament more likely.

After handling Pacific in the Quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament, Herb Sendek’s team faces Saint Mary’s in the Semifinals.

A win would lock Santa Clara into the Tournament while a loss would make Selection Sunday a nail-biter.

new mexico espn

8. New Mexico (22-9, 13-7)

The Lobos played their way out of the NCAA Tournament last week. With losses to Colorado State and Utah State, Eric Olen’s team is now on the outside looking in.

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Entering the Mountain West Conference Tournament as the 3-seed, UNM might need to make the Championship Game to keep their hopes alive.

New Mexico is at the mercy of other Bubble teams around the nation and could miss out due to a bid-stealer in another league.

San Diego State Aztecs logo

9. San Diego State (20-10, 14-6)

SDSU is in a bad spot. The defeat to Boise State last week arguably destroyed any remaining chance the Aztecs had at an at-large bid.

Now, the only path might be to win the Mountain West Tournament. Circumstances can change and evolve quickly.

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But San Diego State has underperformed all season, and the MWC is a potential one-bid league. That’s not a good scenario with one week to go until Selection Sunday.

Cal bears logo

10. California (21-10, 9-9)

To make the Big Dance, the Bears must make a run in the ACC Tournament. The losses to Pittsburgh and Wake Forest at the end of the year were damaging.

As the 9-seed, California faces Florida State with a chance to play Duke if they handle the Seminoles. There’s always a chance.

But Cal’s NCAA Tournament hopes are on life-support and an at-large bid appears unlikely.

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Just Missed: Stanford

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‘CSK will be invincible again’: Ashwin sends strong message to supporters | Cricket News

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'CSK will be invincible again’: Ashwin sends strong message to supporters
Chennai Super Kings’ Matt Henry and teammates (ANI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings head into a crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, looking to bounce back after a disappointing five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Despite posting 209 on the board, powered by a fluent 73 off 43 balls from Ayush Mhatre, CSK failed to defend the total as Punjab chased it down with eight balls remaining. Shreyas Iyer led the charge with a composed fifty, while early fireworks from Priyanshu Arya (39 off 11) set the tone for the chase. Following the defeat, Ravichandran Ashwin called for patience from fans, urging them not to target the younger players. “My request to CSK fans is, please do not slam any player. Support each and every one of them,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “Being a fan of a team isn’t just about winning. The five titles CSK have won is a legacy, but the youngsters shouldn’t be burdened with the weight of it,” he explained. “The burden shouldn’t fall on Ayush Mhatre or Urvil Patel. They have to go out and play with joy. They willl learn and couple of years down the line, the side will become invincible again,” he revealed. CSK’s innings had begun with Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening, but Samson’s struggles continued as he fell cheaply once again. Mhatre then steadied things alongside Gaikwad, racing to a 29-ball fifty and taking CSK past 100 inside 10 overs before Yuzvendra Chahal removed the skipper for 28. Mhatre carried on before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vyshak, who also climbed to the top of the Purple Cap standings. However, the bigger concern for CSK remains their bowling unit. Across two matches, they have leaked 338 runs in just 30.5 overs while taking only seven wickets. Even their spinners, Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar, were expensive against Punjab, conceding 84 runs in eight overs without the challenge of dew. The pace attack of Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj has also struggled to make an impact. Things do not get easier for CSK as they now face a confident RCB side that looks far more balanced than in previous seasons. Led by Virat Kohli at the top, RCB’s batting unit appears settled, with Devdutt Padikkal rediscovering form through a blistering 26-ball 61 in their previous outing and skipper Rajat Patidar anchoring the middle order effectively. RCB’s bowling, once considered their weak link, has shown significant improvement. In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy impressed with a three-wicket haul, using sharp short-pitched deliveries to trouble opposition batters. The team may also consider bringing in left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav in place of Abhinandan Singh. Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have provided control in the middle overs. For CSK, much will depend on Samson rediscovering form quickly. With scores of 6 and 7 so far, the T20 World Cup winner has not provided the strong starts expected of him. A clash against RCB could be the perfect stage for a turnaround, but unless their bowling unit improves significantly, CSK face an uphill battle against an in-form Bengaluru side.

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Erling Haaland reveals X-rated message from Man City team-mate after stunning Liverpool win

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Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday

Erling Haaland received an X-rated message from one of his Manchester City teammates following his hat-trick against Liverpool. The Norwegian striker added yet another match ball to his remarkable collection as Pep Guardiola’s side tore apart the Reds 4-0 to secure their place in the FA Cup semi-final.

Despite a lively opening from Arne Slot’s outfit, they fell apart against the Carabao Cup holders as the Dutchman’s troubles mounted with pressure growing considerably. For City, they became the first team through to the last four at Wembley later this month, with Antoine Semenyo also getting on the scoresheet in the victory over Liverpool.

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Haaland claimed his 28th career hat-trick match ball on Saturday afternoon. Posting his memento on social media, Haaland posed with the match ball, and one particular message stood out from the rest.

One of his teammates wrote: “Well done you big f****** weirdo!”

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Reflecting on the match, Haaland said: “This club has to win trophies on the biggest stage. It’s been some time since I have done it [scored a hat-trick] for City. It is special so I am super happy.”

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For the Norwegian, he has rediscovered his scoring form at precisely the right moment, with City locked in a Premier League title battle with Arsenal.

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Guardiola got the better of his former protégé, Mikel Arteta, on the eve of the international break as City defeated Arsenal 2-0 to clinch another Carabao Cup triumph. City trail the league leaders by nine points heading into next weekend’s fixtures as the Premier League resumes. They travel to Chelsea on April 12 (4.30pm) with Liam Rosenior hoping his team can build on their 7-0 victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Arsenal resume their campaign following their clash with Championship outfit Southampton with a journey to Sporting CP in the Champions League. After their quarter-final meeting with Viktor Gyokeres’ previous club, they welcome Bournemouth on April 11 (12.30pm).

Pep Lijnders heaped praise on the City star following their triumph over his old side. The City assistant said: “I worked with a lot of good strikers, with a lot of goals, with a lot of finals and trophies.

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“Erling scored the 12th hat-trick today for Man City and the second goal was insane.

“He weighed the attack, he flies, the way he puts the ball into the corner. I love these old-school striker goals.

“I am not saying he carries Norway, but we all know how important he is for them, he feels that responsibility.

“It is clear then that not everything throughout a long season will go your way, but it shows character again and mentality that he comes back in this fashion.”

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Nigerians Shine as Onuachu and Nwaiwu Lead Trabzonspor to 2-1 Win Over Galatasaray

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Paul Onuachu scored his first goal against Galatasaray as Trabzonspor claimed a 2-1 win in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday evening.

Onuachu gave Trabzonspor an early lead, marking a personal milestone for the Nigerian forward, who had previously failed to score against Galatasaray. His goal also emphasised his importance to the team this season, bringing his league tally to 22 goals and keeping him among the top scorers in Turkey.

Galatasaray equalised in the second half, creating a tense finish. However, Chibuike Nwaiwu restored Trabzonspor’s lead with his third league goal of the season, assisted by Anthony Nwakaeme. Nwakaeme’s creative delivery proved decisive in the match.

  • Werder Bremen defender, Felix Agu, has said he is open to playing for Nigeria. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother.Werder Bremen defender, Felix Agu, has said he is open to playing for Nigeria. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother.

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The combined efforts of Onuachu, Nwaiwu, and Nwakaeme secured the victory and all three points for Trabzonspor in a closely fought contest.

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Stephen A. Smith makes feelings known on Geno Auriemma apologizing to Dawn Staley over viral meltdown after UConn’s Final 4 loss vs. South Carolina

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Stephen A. Smith is waiting for the NFL draft to happen later this month, so he is giving his take on college basketball’s latest controversy.

On Friday, the University of Connecticut Huskies lost 48-62 against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. After the game, Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma had a verbal confrontation with Gamecocks counterpart Dawn Staley.

Minutes later, he posted this apology on social media:

“It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that.”

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There was a great amount of blowback from fans, but Smith urged them to move on:

Damn Right! He should be sorry! We move on!


ALSO READ: Stephen A. Smith speaks out on Puka Nacua’s ulterior motive behind entering rehab over behavioral issues

ALSO READ: “I’m very disturbed by what Jerry Jones said”: Stephen A. Smith warns about calling Cowboys owner over George Pickens comments

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ALSO READ: “Wasn’t surprised”: Stephen A. Smith makes feelings clear about Kirk Cousins choosing Raiders despite Fernando Mendoza’s draft buzz


Stephen A. Smith quashes rumor surrounding Molly Qerim’s departure from “First Take”

For years, Stephen A. Smith has been considered the face of ESPN’s flagship program “First Take”. One of only a few other people who would be considered for that pedestal is Molly Qerim, who was its host from 2015 to September 2025.

At the time of her departure, there was much speculation that her working relationship with Smith had worsened in the buildup to the decision. However, Smith dismissed such notions when speaking on Wednesday’s episode of Brandon Tierney’s “Unleashed” podcast:

“I miss Molly because I love (her) as a person and as a friend. I know what kind of a person she is, so because of that I don’t look at her as just as a host, I don’t look at her as just a colleague. We worked together for 10 years. Nobody is ever going to come say something negative to me about (her). I will always support her because it’s beyond the professional.”

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As of October 2025, “First Take” is hosted by Shae Cornette.