WCC Basketball Power Rankings: Gonzaga, BYU remains on top

Jan 14, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Pepperdine Waves guard Colbey Ross (4) puts up a shot over Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24)and Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Aaron Cook (4) in the first half of a WCC men’s basketball game at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

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WCC Basketball Damon Stoudamire Pacific Tigers (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

8. Pacific Tigers (5-4, 2-3)

The Pacific Tigers have only played nine games this year. They have had an interesting season, to say the least. In December, the Tigers went 18 days in between games. After their December 20th game, they had a 20+ day break in between games.

Considering what they have been dealing with, the Tigers have done a pretty good job. After suffering an almost 40-point loss to Gonzaga on the 23rd, the Tigers played BYU and took them to double overtime. Despite losing by eight, it was a valiant effort by the Tigers who showed a lot of heart.

Justin Moore led the Tigers with a season-high 37 minutes played and 18 points scored. Prior to the game against BYU, Moore’s season-high in minutes played was 26 against Montana State in early December. Moore stepped up when his team needed it the most. Pacific, if they can find a cadence, could also prove to wreck some hopes and dreams throughout the West Coast Conference with the amount of grit and heart they have shown this entire season.

7. San Francisco Dons (10-8, 4-4)

The Dons had themselves an okay week. Every conference game matters and San Francisco had a chance to put its mark on the conference. They started the week strong with a 23-point away win against Santa Clara. Two days later, the Dons followed up the win with a four-point loss to Saint Mary’s at home. It has to be a deflating loss for the Dons as they could have made a strong case for moving up the rankings.

Unfortunately, the Dons have been bitten by the COVID-19 protocol bug. On January 26th, the Dons canceled their next three contests against BYU, Pacific, and Pepperdine. Their next scheduled game will be Tuesday, February 9th against Pepperdine.