WCC Basketball: 2021-22 power rankings heading into Christmas break
By Tuck Clarry
WCC Basketball wrapped their second to last week of non-conference action and the rankings seem solidified until we see these teams matched up against each other. Bracketologists continue to see 4-bids for the conference, with the three at-large all being top 30 teams. Exciting times are ahead for the WCC and here is how I see the field as we head towards the end of the year.
10. Portland (8-6)
Last week: Defeated Cal Poly 78-77, Lost to Oregon 71-96, Lost to San Jose State 90-78, Lost to Montana State 59-61
This week: UC Davis
In a busy week for the Pilots, Shantay Legans’ squad doubled their losses on the season in three straight games. In one of the least daunting schedules in college basketball (ranked 330 in strength of schedule and 352 in KenPom’s strength of schedule system), Portland has largely risen to the occasion losing only to teams that are measured as superior. They struggle on the glass, shooting high percentage shots and forcing turnovers.
Junior Tyler Robertson has been solid leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists but is shooting at a 38% from the field. Legans has proven that this team has a pathway to getting better and deserves credit for turning a bare cupboard into an above .500 non-conference team.
9. Pacific (5-8)
Last week: Defeated UC Santa Barbara 80-71, Lost to North Dakota State 61-73, Lost to UC Davis 67-77
This week: at Cal
The Tigers are about who we thought they were considering the roster composition. The ball is largely going through Alphonso Anderson and Jeremiah Bailey, with Pierre Crockrell distributing which just isn’t enough firepower to move the needle. They’re a solid team on the defensive glass but struggle a bit guarding, allowing a lot of open looks from outside.
It’ll be tough for the Tigers to stay in a lot of games because of their offense. Rotational players Greg Outlaw and Sammy Freeman are the lone players on the roster with an offensive rating over 100.