Busting Brackets
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WCC Basketball: Final Power Rankings and Team Grades for 2017-18

By Tristan Freeman

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Zach Norvell Jr.
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Zach Norvell Jr. /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 05: Jock Landale
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 05: Jock Landale /

2. Saint Mary’s Gaels 30-6 (16-2)

2017-18 postseason result: NIT Third Round

Season Grade: B

This was arguably the greatest roster the program has ever had and for the most part the players did what they had to do. It ultimately was the schedule makers to blame for the lack of an NCAA Tournament appearance, not having nearly enough quality games to warrant a bid.

But the real turning point for the Gaels was the disaster in Moraga against Gonzaga, where the Bulldogs perfected a defensive game plan to stop the WCC Player of the Year in his tracks. San Francisco and BYU followed suit later on, sending Saint Mary’s to the NIT. While the season itself was a success, it’ll be considered a failure in the eyes of many because it didn’t involve the NCAA Tournament.

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs 32-5 (17-1)

2017-18 postseason result: NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen

Season Grade: A

The Bulldogs lost four of their top scorers from the previous season, including an All-American and a lottery pick. But this team simply reloads, and have a whopping six different players averaging at least 9.0 ppg. It was their sixth man, Rui Hachimura who actually led the team in scoring in conference play.

Next: 2018-19 Preseason Top 25

Outside of a five-minute stretch at home versus Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga was perfect through another undefeated run in Las Vegas. Maybe next time the WCC coaches will just put the Bulldogs No. 1 in the preseason poll.