Busting Brackets
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WCC Basketball power rankings: Unbeaten San Fran makes case for top-2 spot

By Tuck Clarry

Nov 29, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; San Francisco Dons guard Khalil Shabazz (0) drives to the basket against the Rhode Island Rams in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; San Francisco Dons guard Khalil Shabazz (0) drives to the basket against the Rhode Island Rams in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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WCC Basketball Dan Fotu St. Mary’s Gaels (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
WCC Basketball Dan Fotu St. Mary’s Gaels (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

4. Saint Mary’s (8-2)

Last week: Defeated Utah State 60-58, Lost to Colorado State 58-74
This week: UCSB

The Gaels appear to be back. Splitting their two games this week, the Gaels showed that the Gaels will rely on their defense and tempo to grind out wins this season. When they couldn’t stop the Colorado State Rams, they couldn’t rely on their offense to stay close. Tommy Kuhse and Logan Johnson have been reliable enough throughout the year for the Gaels to be a tough out against anyone they play this season.

Dan Fotu has developed into a great multi-purpose weapon for head coach Randy Bennett. Fotu has been a solid player on the glass and a legit scoring weapon that the frontcourt has needed. The Gaels have the ability to control games and with their experience, they should be able to bully teams simply by winning the turnover battle. They have the seventh-highest defensive rating in KenPom and allow the third smallest assist to field percentage to boot.

3. San Francisco (9-0)

Last week: Defeated UAB 63-61, Defeated UNLV 83-62
This week: Fresno State

The Dons have looked great this year, going into this week undefeated and a strong two-way team. San Francisco has balanced their portal additions seamlessly and appear to be incredibly balanced scoring inside and out with Jamaree Bouyea, Yauhen Massalski, Khalil Shabazz, and Gabe Steffanini looking like a rock-solid foundation. The Dons play five players that shoot 33% or better from outside.

Bouyea has been absolutely lethal at all levels on offense and Massalski has continued to be one of the best post players in the west, having the 33rd highest offensive rebound percentage in all of college basketball. It would not be surprising to see San Francisco challenge both teams ahead of them late in games. The Dons have flown under the radar a bit to start off this season but they have the scoring and solid defensive philosophy to be a quality team come tournament time.