Busting Brackets
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WCC Basketball power rankings: Gonzaga, BYU survive close calls to stay on top

By J.D. Caldwell

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: TJ Haws #30 of the BYU Cougars drives to the basket and lays the ball in during the second half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: TJ Haws #30 of the BYU Cougars drives to the basket and lays the ball in during the second half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 01: Luwane Pipkins #12 of the Providence Friars guards Colbey Ross #4 of the Pepperdine Waves (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 01: Luwane Pipkins #12 of the Providence Friars guards Colbey Ross #4 of the Pepperdine Waves (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

9. San Diego Toreros (8-16, 1-8) NET: 215

The Toreros got off to a slow start in conference play.  However, San Diego was able to win at Portland 77-67 on Jan. 18, behind 6’7 sophomore Jared Rodriguez and his 17 points in only 19 minutes of playing time.

San Diego has an inexperienced team that is resulting in the Toreros being ranked #321 in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency.  Shooting has been less than desirable.  The Toreros shooting only 45.0% on two-point field goals, 31.1% in three-pointers, and 65.7% from the free-throw line.

Redshirt junior 6’6 Braun Hartfield (13.7 ppg) and redshirt freshman 6’3 Joe Calcaterra (12.0 ppg) are leading the scoring for the Toreros.  San Diego will host Saint Mary’s on Thursday and Portland on Saturday.

8. Loyola Marymount (8-15, 2-7) NET: 231

Loyola Marymount has lost their past three games.  Their two victories have come over San Diego 64-58 and Portland 77-65.  Both of those wins were at home.  The Lions will not face the Toreros a second time, even though LMU is the closest opponent geographically to San Diego.

The Lions showed some spirit at home on Saturday in their wild 68-67 loss in overtime to Pepperdine.  6’6 junior Eli Scott led LMU with 21 points while 6’6 freshman Keli Leaupepe added 17.

Coach Mike Dunlap’s slow-down offense has them ranked #346 in KenPom’s adjusted tempo rating.  Scott is the only Lion scoring in double figures with 15.7 ppg and 6.7 rpg.

The Lions get to play at Gonzaga on Thursday.