WCC Basketball: 2021-22 power rankings heading into Christmas break

2. San Francisco

Last week: Lost to Grand Canyon 48-49, Defeated Arizona State 66-65

This week: Southern Illinois

The Dons lost their first game due to an uncharacteristically bad shooting night. They then played the next day against an improving Sun Devils team that plays good team defense. San Francisco’s defense isn’t too shabby either, excelling in forcing teams into tough shots (ranked 31st in effective field goal percentage and 32nd in three-point percentage according to KenPom).

Yauhen Massalski has been a force inside both contesting shots and grabbing rebounds–especially offensive. Jamaree Bouyea and Khalil Shabazz continue to be two of the most electric guards in the country.

1. Gonzaga (9-2)

Last week: Defeated Texas Tech 69-55

This week: Northern Arizona

It’s hard to describe the tension in the room as panicked over the last couple of weeks for Zags fans, but feeling beatable hadn’t been a recurring concern for the better part of a full calendar year until their struggles against Duke, Tarleton State, and Alabama.

A matchup against one of the staunchest defenses in the country didn’t seem like a great way to get back into the swing of things on offense but the Zags looked dynamic against the No-Middle defense. While 6-16 doesn’t sound like a hot hand, Andrew Nembhard looked to be gaining more and more confidence as he 5-9 in the second half including three big-time three-pointers.

If the backcourt can continue to prove their ability to score, the Zags become once again the best offense in the country and the team that many saw as the best team in the country for the better part of the last two seasons.