Pac-12 Power rankings: A muddle in the middle
By Shaun Gordon
2. UCLA
Like Oregon, UCLA (18-8, 9-5 PAC-12) is getting hot at just the right time. they’ve won five out of six, including their cross-town clash with USC and an upset at No. 17 Arizona.
Unlike the Ducks, the Bruins managed a marquee win over Kentucky during non-conference play. Right now, they’re in position for an at-large bid, but they’re not a lock. More than two more losses before the PAC-12 tournament could put them right back on the bubble.
That’s life in the PAC-12 this year: equal distance between a regular-season title and the NIT for most teams.
The Bruins have a big one on Saturday against Oregon.
This Week:
Saturday: vs. Oregon (7:15pm PT)
1. Arizona
When the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee released their current Top-16 seeds on Sunday, the Wildcats (21-6, 11-3 PAC-12) came in at 15th.
For a team that some outlets ranked No. 1 to begin the season, it’s been a rough season.
But they’re still the class of the PAC-12, with a two game lead over the pack.
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They’ve slipped a little recently, though, with back-to-back losses to Washington and UCLA. Those losses have left the Wildcats little room for error the rest of the way, both for the regular-season conference title and for NCAA Tournament seeding.
With their win against rival Arizona State, they could easily carry a six-game winning streak into the PAC-12 Tournament.
This Week:
Thursday: at Arizona State (6:00pm PT)