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 Colbey Ross Pepperdine Waves (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /

6. Loyola Marymount Lions (8-6, 3-3)

Loyola Marymount was limited to one game last week due to COVID protocols. The Lions made the most of their one opportunity by trouncing the University of Portland by 25 points in a Monday night game. Their scheduled game against the University of San Diego on January 30th was canceled. The Lions have a scheduled contest against Gonzaga in Spokane, Washington on Thursday, February 4th.

Center Mattias Markusson had his second big game of the year – albeit too far apart. In a season-high 27 minutes, Markusson scored 25 points on 10-12 shooting including a 5-7 effort from the free throw line. At 7 foot 3 inches, Markusson dominated the boards with 13 rebounds including five offensive rebounds which directly led to the 25 point win against Portland.

Previously, in the first game of the season, Markusson scored 19 points on 6-9 shooting. If Markusson is turning a corner, this is the perfect time for the Lions as they make one final push through the West Coast Conference.

. 7-8 (3-3). . Waves . 5. team. 542

The Waves went 1-1 in the past week. They won their second game of a back-back against BYU. Pepperdine lost at BYU by 11 points but four days later at home, they beat the Cougars by three in a very important conference game for the Waves. Three days after the BYU game, Pepperdine was no match for the Gonzaga Bulldogs which handed the Waves a 22-point loss.

Watch out for Pepperdine, however. They could play spoilers. They have two good scorers in Kessler Edwards and Colbey Ross. If they both go off in a game, they can beat any team in the WCC short of Gonzaga which could ruin an entire season. Edwards has averaged 17.8 points per game along with 6.6 rebounds per game. Ross has averaged 16.5 points per game in addition to 7.3 assists per game.