NCAA Basketball: Arizona, UConn, Marquette, Baylor all fall in latest top 25 power rankings

13. Gonzaga (9-3)

We’re only twelve games into the season, but this certainly doesn’t look to be a Gonzaga squad on the same level as some of their recent teams. The Bulldogs’ best nonconference wins have been over UCLA in Maui and USC, while wasting opportunities with double-digit losses to Purdue and Connecticut and a rough performance at Washington earlier this month. Are there even chances to improve this resume during WCC play?

Gonzaga headed into Christmas on a high note, beating Jackson State 100-76 at home back on Wednesday night. They bounced back nicely after losing to the huskies, putting up 100 points for the third time this season. The shooting was slightly better than in recent weeks, led by Graham Ike’s 22-point, 11-rebound effort and 18 points from Nolan Hickman.

While Gonzaga should stockpile wins in conference play, it’s hard to look at what they’ve done and be super impressed. Ryan Nembhard has been another nice addition and the Bulldogs are leaning more heavily on a few players this season, but the Bulldogs weren’t within single digits against the two elite teams on their schedule. Fortunately, they get one last opportunity next Friday, hosting a San Diego State team that’s looked decent this year and did play for the national title last March.