Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

Dane Miller’s Week 13 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings

Published

on


  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports


There’s only one month remaining until March.

With several teams in the West hovering on the Bubble, the results this month might determine their NCAA Tournament hopes.

The teams in the Mountain West, in particular, are vying for the precious few at-large bids the league is expected to receive.

Advertisement

New Mexico, Utah State, and San Diego State are all battling for what could be just one bid apart from the auto-bid for winning the MWC Tournament Championship.

And in the WCC, Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s are fighting for what’s likely to be the WCC’s lone bid outside of Gonzaga.

Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West at the start of February.

Arizona football logo
1. Arizona (22-0, 9-0)

The Wildcats stayed undefeated with road wins at BYU and Arizona State.

Tommy Lloyd’s team is off to the best start in program history. But what happens in the regular season doesn’t really matter.

Advertisement

This team, like every Arizona team before it, will be judged by what happens in March.

Gonzaga logo
2. Gonzaga (22-1, 10-0)

Undefeated in the WCC and with just one loss in the nonconference, Gonzaga is in contention for a 1-seed.

With wins over Oklahoma, Creighton, Alabama, Kentucky, and UCLA, the Zags have a reasonable case.

But to get there, Mark Few’s team must take care of business on the road against Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Saint Mary’s this month.

BYU Cougars logo
3. BYU (17-4, 5-3)

The defeats to Arizona and Kansas don’t change the ceiling of BYU’s season.

The slow starts, however, are alarming. Kevin Young must get that issue fixed before the end of the regular season.

Advertisement

If not, the Cougars might slip below the 4-seed line and become at risk for an early-round upset.

Saint Mary's espn
4. Saint Mary’s (19-4, 8-2)

The Gaels lost to Gonzaga in Spokane, but remain in a favorable position.

Sitting at No. 32 in the NET and No. 35 in KenPom, Saint Mary’s is on the right side of the bubble. Yet, any surprising losses to close the WCC could be problematic.

If San Francisco comes into Moraga and beats the Gaels this week, the alarm bells will start ringing.

new mexico espn
5. New Mexico (18-4, 9-2)

The Lobos look like the best team in the Mountain West.

Joe Lunardi has New Mexico hovering dangerously close to the cut line, though, indicating the lack of clout the MWC has this season.

Advertisement

The Lobos host Utah State and Boise State this week, presenting opportunities to bolster the resume.

UCLA Bruins logo
6. UCLA (15-7, 7-4)

A double-overtime loss to a big brand like Indiana doesn’t change much. Especially with key contributor Skyy Clark missing the game due to injury.

Still, a loss at home to an unranked opponent isn’t ideal.

For now, just take care of Rutgers and Washington before a tough stretch comes with games against Michigan, Michigan State, and Illinois.

utah state espn
7. Utah State (18-3, 9-2)

Beating San Diego State was arguably Utah State’s best win of the season. The metrics love the Aggies, and so do the bracketologists.

At No. 31 in KenPom, No. 27 in the NET, and a 9-seed according to Lunardi, Utah State must feel good about its NCAA Tournament chances.

Advertisement

A win over New Mexico in Albuquerque this week would back up the metrics.

San Diego State Aztecs logo
8. San Diego State (15-6, 9-2)

It’s an uneasy time down in San Diego. The Mountain West is not very respected this season, and the Aztecs have a bad loss to Troy on their resume.

This week should be smooth sailing, however, with games against Wyoming and Air Force.

The latter half of February gets tougher, with contests against Nevada, GCU, Utah State, and New Mexico.

Cal bears logo
9. California (16-6, 4-5)

Leaving the Florida trip with a split was in line with expectations. But leaving with a win over Miami and a loss to Florida State was not.

Without any recent NCAA Tournament success, the Bears face an uphill climb to get an at-large bid.

Advertisement

But if Cal handles Georgia Tech and Clemson in Berkeley this week, the Bears might find themselves in the projected field.

espn%2Bsanta%2Bclara.png
10. Santa Clara (19-5, 10-1)

Sitting on the Bubble, Santa Clara handled their business last week. The margin of victory over San Francisco and Loyola Marymount helped perceptions.

Combined with the win over Saint Mary’s earlier in January, the Broncos are in a decent position.

But the nonconference losses to Loyola Chicago and Arizona State remain problematic.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

4 early observations from the ground at Augusta National

Published

on

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Connor scores twice, Scheifele hits milestone as Jets roll past Kraken

Published

on

WINNIPEG — Kyle Connor scored twice while Jonathan Toews and Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and an assist each to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Monday night.

Brad Lambert and Vladislav Namestnikov, into an empty net, also scored for the Jets (34-31-12), who have collected points in seven of their last nine games (6-2-1).

Mark Scheifele registered three assists, while Josh Morrissey provided a pair.

Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves for the win at Canada Life Centre.

Advertisement

Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann replied for the Kraken (32-33-11), who extended their losing streak to five games and have lost nine of their last 10 (1-7-2).

Seattle starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer left the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period after allowing three goals on 15 shots. Joey Daccord entered in relief and made 10 saves.

The Kraken opened the scoring at 9:17 of the first period when Eberle netted his team-leading 25th of the season, marking the fourth consecutive game Winnipeg has surrendered the opening goal.

The Jets responded on the man advantage at 12:39 when Toews, who was moved back to the top power-play unit in Sunday’s practice, put in his 10th of the campaign to tie the game.

Advertisement

Winnipeg took control in the second period with a pair of power-play markers. Vilardi gave the Jets their first lead at 9:55, followed by Connor’s team-leading 37th goal of the season at 12:09.

Seattle cut the deficit to 3-2 at 2:28 of the third period on a goal by McCann. The assist went to Kaapo Kakko, extending his point streak to three games.

Lambert restored the two-goal cushion at 5:59 of the final frame to seal the win, with Connor and Namestikov adding insurance markers.

Jets: Winnipeg’s special teams dominated the matchup, as the club scored three times on the power play for the first time all season.

Advertisement

Kraken: The loss dealt a devastating blow to Seattle’s bid for a playoff spot, costing the club an opportunity to close the gap in the highly competitive Western Conference wild-card race.

With Seattle seizing momentum after cutting the lead to one early in the third period, Lambert fired home his third goal of the season to make it 4-2. Lambert celebrated the insurance marker right in front of the Kraken bench and his uncle, Seattle head coach Lane Lambert.

Scheifele registered his 900th career NHL point with his secondary assist on Connor’s second-period goal.

Jets: Visit the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

Advertisement

Kraken: Visit the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

The Masters: McKibbin enjoying ‘surreal’ start to his first Masters week

Published

on

Although delighted to be part of the field, McKibbin is eager to make his mark and acknowledges the famous course is challenging.

Long fairways and “pristine” greens are what he will encounter but he wants to leave on Sunday happy with his week’s work.

Whether that means playing through the weekend or making a charge at the leaderboard remains to be seen, but making the most of this opportunity is his primary motivation.

“Some of the holes are very long, especially around 10 and 11, you’re hitting a lot of long irons into the greens which look pretty small from there, but the golf course is just incredible,” he noted.

Advertisement

“I’ve played it a few times now and it’s everything you could imagine, so to play more over the week is pretty cool.

“The greens are absolutely perfect, so pristine, quick and once you get out onto the course, there are some pretty crazy slopes on them you can really play around with.

“The golf course changes so much over the week, I don’t know what to expect, but I would just like to have a nice week, play well and see where that is. Your first one there aren’t a lot of expectations, but I want to have a good week.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Ryan Garcia names the most ‘horribly overrated’ fighter in boxing

Published

on

WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia has named the man whom he believes to be the most overrated fighter in the sport, saying that the hype is ‘premature’.

Despite knocking out Luke Campbell for the WBC Interim lightweight title back in January 2021, it took over five years for Garcia to finally claim world honours, with some fans thinking along the way that the ‘overrated’ label suited his own campaign.

That long-awaited victory came in February, as ‘King Ry’ dominated proceedings against Mario Barrios to properly announce his return to the big time and receive the plaudits that his skills merit.

Advertisement

Now, Garcia sits as one of the biggest names in the sport and the Californian is being linked to a mammoth rematch with rival and reigning WBO welterweight champion, Devin Haney.

Despite criticising Haney in the past, on the Creators Think Podcast when quizzed to name the most ‘horribly overrated’ active boxer, Garcia opted not to select his fierce foe. Instead, he looked upwards toward the super-welterweight division, playing down the abilities of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

“Horribly overrated? Today, I would say ‘Boots’ Ennis. I know that I have said that before on a stream and got some hate but, at this point where they are hyping up like he is the next everything, I think it’s a little premature and [that he is] overrated.”

Ennis held the unified IBF and WBA welterweight world titles but moved up to 154lbs late last year, knocking out Uisma Lima upon his debut in the division.

At the end of June, the ‘Boots’ will challenge for the unified WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles against the youngest unified champion in boxing, Puerto Rico’s Xander Zayas.

Advertisement

There is a possibility that Garcia, still just 27, will move up to 154lbs in the future. If he does so, Ennis may want to answer the above comments inside the ropes.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Fabregas Reacts As Okoye Shines In Udinese Draw

Published

on

Maduka Okoye delivered an outstanding performance, but Cesc Fabregas admitted he was not fully satisfied with his team after Como’s goalless draw with Udinese on Monday night.

Fabregas said the game was tight and very tactical, with both sides struggling to find space and control the tempo.

“Both teams had difficulties finding spaces, it was a very tactical game and nobody really took the initiative,” he said.

Advertisement

Despite his side creating two good chances, Fabregas was not impressed with how Como handled the ball, noting that several players did not perform at their best.

“In general, I didn’t like the way the team played in possession, there were many players who were below par today,” he added.

The Como boss also pointed out that Udinese offered little attacking threat, but stressed the importance of staying solid at the back.

Advertisement

“At the same time, Udinese created very little danger and we kept our 15th clean sheet.”

Fabregas admitted he expected more from his team but accepted the result, especially given recent challenges.

“When you are in these situations, it is important not to lose and not to concede, even if I am the first to admit that I expected more.”

Okoye was the key figure in the match, making several important saves to deny Como and secure a clean sheet for Udinese.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Callum Smith vs David Morrell fight off after injury suffered in Smith training camp

Published

on

The upcoming battle between Callum Smith and David Morrell will no longer be happening.

Smith last fought in February 2025 when he was involved in a fight of the year contender against Joshua Buatsi, claiming the unanimous decision win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to secure the WBO interim light heavyweight title.

Over 12 months on from that bout, he was set to make his long-awaited return against Morrell in his hometown of Liverpool on April 18, but with less than two weeks to go until the showdown, disaster has unfortunately struck.

Advertisement

According to journalist Mike Coppinger, the Liverpudlian has been forced to pull out of the bout after sustaining an injury whilst training.

“Callum Smith suffered an injury in training camp and is withdrawing from his light heavyweight fight vs. David Morrell on April 18 in Liverpool, sources tell Ring Magazine.”

Smith was hoping to move one step closer to becoming a two-weight world champion, having previously reigned as WBC super-middleweight champion thanks to a win over George Groves in 2018 before he lost that belt to Canelo Alvarez in 2020.

That prompted the move to 175lbs, and despite a defeat to Artur Beterbiev in January 2024, Smith remained one of the key fighters in the light heavyweight division.

The bout against former WBA Regular champion Morrell was set to serve as a tough test for Smith, with Morrell only having lost to David Benavidez in his career so far, but now it is unknown whether or not the clash between the two men will be rescheduled.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Hurt Coco Gauff pens emotional message after facing brutal social media abuse over new photoshoot

Published

on

Coco Gauff recently penned an emotional message after facing brutal social media abuse over her new photoshoot. The American stated that the constant criticism reminded her why she shouldn’t be active on certain platforms.

Gauff is one of the WTA’s biggest women’s singles stars and the 22-year- old draws an immense amount of attention for her actions on and off the tennis court. Earlier this month, the two-time Grand Slam champion posed for fashion brand Miu Miu, but her look for the photoshoot gained immense scrutiny, with many expressing their disappointment about her natural hair.

Reacting to the hate, Coco Gauff wrote on X,

Advertisement

“Deleted twitter for a month, came back today, and got instantly reminded why I should not be on here lol :/.”

At the Miami Open earlier this year, Gauff had admitted that she was taking a break from X to avoid the online toxicity.

Coco Gauff weighs in on social media negativity, demands accountability from platforms

Gauff speaks to the media at the 2026 Miami Open (Image Source: Getty)Gauff speaks to the media at the 2026 Miami Open (Image Source: Getty)
Gauff speaks to the media at the 2026 Miami Open (Image Source: Getty)

At the 2025 German Open, Coco Gauff discussed at length the negativity on social media surrounding players. In a conversation with the media, she shared that tennis stars often receive death threats and that online users frequently message family members as well, saying,

“It’s the worst you can get. Death threats, to your family, to yourself. I’ve had people DM [direct message] my boyfriend and friends about it. Racist comments, like all you can imagine. Nudity, things like that. It’s a gross kind of thing that we have going on in tennis.”

She went on to demand accountability from platforms, asking them to ‘step in’ in order to foster a more healthy environment for everyone,

“It’s something that we have to keep bringing awareness to. I would love for some of the social media platforms to get involved, not only when it comes to tennis players. Influencers, other athletes, they all get these comments, so it’s something that can be addressed. I know the WTA is doing what they can to make us feel protected, but I definitely think that a lot of these platforms can step in as well.”

On the tennis end of things, Coco Gauff was last seen in action at the Miami Open. The Florida-native reached the finals on home ground, before going down against World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.