WCC Basketball: LMU rises, San Francisco falls in latest power rankings

Jan 14, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Pepperdine Waves guard Robbie Heath (44) celebrates a free throw with Pepperdine Waves center Victor Ohia Obioha (34) during a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs 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 San Diego Toreros Yauhen Massalski James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Another week but nothing has changed atop the WCC Basketball standings with Gonzaga Bulldogs and BYU Cougars holding on to the top two spots as they have done all season. Gonzaga continues to dominate opponents while preparing for a deep March Madness run. BYU has been dispatching their opponents as well but not with the same skill as Gonzaga.

10. Portland Pilots (6-14, 0-11)

The Portland Pilots are not only losing every conference game but they cannot even keep it close. The Pilots went nine days between games from February 11th to February 20th. Their opponent on the 11th was Pacific which resulted in a 27-point loss. On the 20th, the Pilots did not fare any better against Pacific as they turned in another 20+ point loss. It has been a rough season for the Pilots and their players.

One of the bright spots for Portland has been senior transfer Ahmed Ali. The guard has averaged 18 points per game for the Pilots while shooting 46.8% from the floor and 36.2% from three-point range. Besides that, unfortunately, the Pilots have not had much good news this season.

Toreros . 9. team. 543. . (3-8, 2-5).

The Toreros started their week with a quality conference win over Santa Clara on Thursday. Unfortunately, on Saturday, they ran into the buzz saw that is the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The Bulldogs unleashed a 37-point loss on San Diego. Forward Ben Pyle and Guard Joey Calcaterra carried the Toreros over the Broncos.

Pyle and Calcaterra combined for 37 of the teams 71 points on 10 of 19 shooting from the field including hitting 5 of 9 three-point attempts. Center Vladimir Pinchuk used his 6’11’’ frame and pulled down 10 total rebounds including four offensive rebounds.

Despite being 6’1’’, Pinchuk has only averaged five rebounds per game. A New Mexico transfer, he averaged an abysmal 2.7 rebounds per game on almost 14 minutes of playing time per contest. Imagine if Pinchuk would use his size on a consistent basis – would San Diego be closer to a .500 team?