Sports

Dane Miller’s Week 14 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings

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3 hours ago

9 February 2026

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  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports

It can all change in an instant.

Just ask New Mexico.

It may still be February, but it’s crunch time for many teams in the West.

Arizona remains dominant with expectations of a Final Four run, while the rest of the region looks shaky.

Gonzaga dropped a shocking game, BYU is soul-searching, and UCLA is wavering.

At the same time, USC is surging, Utah State has set itself apart, and Santa Clara is positioned for an at-large bid.

Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West after the first week of February.

1. Arizona (23-0, 10-0)

The only thing that matters is March. Nobody is going to remember this Arizona team in a positive light if it falls short in the Big Dance.

At this point, anything less than a run to the Final Four would be a failure. It’s been a long time since UA had a team this good.

It’s on Tommy Lloyd and his players to deliver the run.

2. Gonzaga (23-2, 11-1)

The defeat on the road to Portland was one of the worst losses in program history. It destroyed Gonzaga’s chances at a 1-seed.

Now, the Zags’ entire resume comes under scrutiny. Mark Few’s team isn’t fully healthy, partially excusing the loss.

But the perceived ceiling of this year’s team just took a nosedive.

3. BYU (17-6, 5-5)

Kevin Young’s team is at a crossroads. There seems to be two paths forward.

In one direction, Young makes starting lineup changes that result in the team getting better. Or down the other direction, the team’s culture falls apart with each player focusing on themselves to improve their draft stock.

Young must step up to the plate to guide the team down the right path.

4. Utah State (20-3, 11-2)

Destroying New Mexico at The Pit was impressive.

With victories over UNM and San Diego State, the Aggies have established themselves as the top dogs in the Mountain West.

How that translates in the NCAA Tournament remains to be seen. All Utah State can do is keep winning so that it avoids the unfavorable 8- or 9-seed line.

5. Saint Mary’s (21-4, 10-2)

Randy Bennett’s squad bounced back after losing to Gonzaga. The Gaels handled business against San Diego and San Francisco in convincing fashion.

But the program remains uncomfortably close to the cutoff line. Any surprise losses would be devastating.

It’s still a few weeks away, but the final two games of the regular season against Santa Clara and Gonzaga could determine Saint Mary’s at-large hopes.

6. UCLA (17-7, 9-4)

It’s make-or-break time in Westwood. The Bruins play at Michigan and at Michigan State this week.

If UCLA finds a way to split the road trip, the at-large chances become much stronger. But get swept on this trip, and the pressure gets ramped up.

With zero nonconference resume wins, this week is pivotal for the Bruins.

7. USC (18-6, 7-6)

The Trojans are playing their way into the NCAA Tournament. Moving from the wrong side of the Bubble into the projected field, Eric Musselman must feel positive.

But one week can change everything.

USC heads to Ohio State for its only game of the week. Win that one, and the question becomes more about seeding than simply making the tourney.

8. San Diego State (17-6, 11-2)

The Aztecs did their job against the lower end of the Mountain West last week.

Looking at their resume now, the victories over New Mexico, Boise State, and Nevada are respectable wins.

But the elephant in the room remains. If it comes down to it, the early-season loss to Troy could be a deciding factor on Selection Sunday.

9. Santa Clara (21-5, 12-1)

With a half-game hold on first place in the WCC, the Broncos are in position.

Joe Lunardi’s most recent projection has three teams from the Conference getting in the field. That would be a minor coup for a league that’s perpetually stuck on two bids.

But let’s see what Santa Clara is really made of when it faces Gonzaga this Saturday.

10. New Mexico (18-6, 9-4)

How quickly things change. It took one week for New Mexico to go from the perceived top of the Mountain West to outside of the projected field.

That goes to show how precarious the MWC’s reputation is this year due to an awful nonconference season. If the Selection Show were held right now, the WCC would likely get more bids.

The Lobos can’t afford any more losses.

Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.

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