Dane Miller’s Week 15 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings

1. Arizona (23-2, 10-2)

It may sound like a broken record, but the only thing that matters is what happens in March.

Nobody is going to remember a two-game losing streak in February if the Wildcats make the Final Four.

Even so, the current form of this Arizona team generates concern. The Cats can’t make threes, aren’t rebounding as well, and have multiple players in slumps.

2. Gonzaga (25-2, 13-1)

Gonzaga took care of business against Santa Clara.

The road win over the Broncos re-emphasized that the Zags run the WCC. But under the microscope, the Bulldogs are questionable.

The nonconference resume appears strong, and the metrics are there. Yet, GU was blown out by the only elite team they have played.

3. BYU (19-6, 7-5)

The season-ending injury to Richie Saunders changes BYU’s season outlook.

Fortunately, there’s a month remaining before the NCAA Tournament begins. That should give Kevin Young some time to adjust his rotations and allow other players to step up.

The Cougars still have the talent to make a run, even if the ceiling is now more like a Sweet 16 appearance.

4. Utah State (22-3, 12-2)

Margins of victory matter. Perceptions matter. Who cares how Penny Hardaway and the Memphis players feel?

Run it up, that’s what you’re supposed to do. Crushing the Tigers sent a message to the NCAA Selection Committee.

There’s no way this Utah State is anywhere near an 8-seed or 9-seed. If anything, a 5-seed might be about right.

5. Saint Mary’s (23-4, 12-2)

It was a relatively quiet week for Saint Mary’s in the WCC.

The Gaels beat Pepperdine and Pacific, advancing to 12-2 in the Conference and 23-4 overall. Remaining on the right side of the Bubble, the old adage rings true: “No news is good news.”

With two road games this week, Saint Mary’s can’t afford any missteps.

6. UCLA (17-8, 9-5)

Mick Cronin’s team is dangerously close to missing the NCAA Tournament. Joe Lunardi’s latest projection has UCLA as one of the Last Four In.

The 30-point loss to Michigan shows just how far off this Bruins team is. Facing

Michigan State and Illinois this week, it’s possible that UCLA falls out of the projected field.

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

The Trojans lost by seven to Ohio State on the road. The defeat doesn’t end USC’s at-large hopes, but it increases the pressure.

This Wednesday’s game against Illinois is a massive opportunity. If the Trojans can beat the Illini at the Galen Center, a bid to the Big Dance becomes more likely.

A blowout loss, on the other hand, could knock SC out of the projected field.

8. San Diego State (18-6, 12-2)

Directly on the Bubble, San Diego State stayed in contention with a double-digit win over Nevada.

But, frankly, the victory has already been forgotten and the focus has shifted to GCU on Tuesday. A loss at home to the Lopes would damage SDSU’s at-large chances.

A convincing win, however, might be enough to boost the Aztecs into the projected field.

9. New Mexico (19-6, 10-4)

Beating GCU on their home floor was noteworthy. The victory keeps New Mexico in contention for an at-large bid.

But there’s still plenty of work left to do. The MWC is not getting any respect this year and deservedly so.

To make the NCAA Tournament, the Lobos might need to either win the conference tournament or make it to the championship game.

10. Santa Clara (22-6, 13-2)

The home loss to Gonzaga was a missed opportunity.

The WCC rarely gets more than one at-large bid, and the Selection Committee is looking for reasons to pack the field with major conference teams.

Even so, Santa Clara is No. 39 in KenPom and No. 42 in the NET. That puts the Broncos right in the mix of at-large contention, although probably on the wrong side of the Bubble.