Here’s a look at the power rankings that Drew and I have compiled after the 11th week of Pac-12 games:
1. California, 16-5 (6-2): After Thursday’s big win at Washington, the Golden Bears had a great chance to finish the week 2-0 and be all alone at the top of the conference. Instead, Faisal Aden had his second straight incredible performance off the bench, Brock Motum added 15 points, and at the end of the day, California was headed back to Berkeley with a 77-75 loss. But while the Washington State loss stings, the Bears still had a great win at Hec Edmunson on Thursday, a place where many teams don’t come out alive (unless you’re the fighting Jackrabbits of South Dakota State). Cal is now off until Sunday, when they welcome in rival Stanford for a huge game in the Pac-12 race. Up Next: 1/29 vs. Stanford
2. Oregon, 15-5 (6-2): It wasn’t easy at times for Oregon this week, but when the final buzzer sounded in Eugene on Saturday afternoon, the Ducks found themselves with a 6-2 record, good enough for a tie at first place in the Pac-12. While the week turned out to be a success, it almost started with disaster as USC had a chance to force overtime against them. But Maurice Jones’ three-point attempt with five seconds remaining was missed badly, giving Oregon the 65-62 win. On Saturday, the Ducks had to battle back from trailing by 15 (twice) before finally pulling even with the Bruins with 7:50 remaining in the game. From that point on, despite the score telling us otherwise, it always felt as the Ducks were in control. Turns out that they were, as Dana Altman’s Ducks knocked off UCLA by seven to earn their fourth straight win. Up Next: 1/29 vs. Oregon State
3. Stanford, 15-5 (5-3): Cardinal fans couldn’t have asked for a worse week. On Thursday night in Pullman they were torched by the re-emergence of Aden, who went for 33 points off the bench in Washington State’s stunning 12-point win. Saturday’s game in Seattle didn’t go much better, as an uninspired Stanford team got down early and often. They did only trail by seven at halftime, and by five early in the second half, but a 21-3 Husky run shortly thereafter quickly put the game out of reach. Up Next: 1/29 @ California
4. Arizona, 13-7 (4-3): After an easy win at Utah on Thursday, the Wildcats came into the Coors Event Center looking for their fourth win in five tries. The win not only would have put them just a half game out of first place in the Pac-12, but also would have given them another solid road win to add to their résumé. Instead, it’s the Buffaloes that are a half game out, thanks to their thrilling 64-63 win. The game highlighted the fact that even if the Pac-12 is in a down year, Pac-12 basketball is still a great thing to watch. The biggest shot was also the game-winning one, coming with 1:19 remaining. Carlon Brown drained a three to put the Buffaloes up by one, and the defenses would take over from there. Up Next: 1/26 vs. Washington State
5. Colorado, 13-6 (5-2): The Buffs bounced back nicely against the Arizona schools after being swept by California and Stanford last week. Before the previously mentioned Arizona win, Colorado handled Arizona State on Thursday night for a 15-point win. Up Next: 1/26 @ USC
6. Washington, 12-7 (5-2): Not a bad week for the Huskies as they split the Bay Area schools, but Thursday’s loss to California washed out any real hope of an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Dawgs should now set their sights on making it easier for themselves in the Pac-12 Tourney by earning one of the top four seeds. Up Next: 1/26 @ Arizona State
7. Oregon State, 13-7 (3-5): The Beavers got their first sweep in Pac-12 play this weekend against the Los Angeles schools. Thursday night featured a classic shootout between the Beavers and UCLA, with the Beavers finally pulling out an 87-84 victory. And on Saturday, in front of former Beaver-great Gary Payton, the Beavers dismantled USC’s offense and cruised to a 78-59 win. Up Next: 1/29 @ Oregon
8. UCLA, 10-9 (3-4): Just when you thought the Bruins were putting it together, UCLA goes out and drops a pair of games to the Oregon schools. The lone bright spot of the weekend was the ever-continuing improving play of forwards David and Travis Wear. David averaged 13 points up in Oregon while Travis topped him with 16.5 PPG. Up Next: 1/26 vs. Utah
9. Washington State, 11-8 (3-4): Who would have known that the Cougars would be the first team to sweep California and Stanford, but behind a raucous Friel Court crowd and great performances from both Aden and Motum, they did just that. An NIT bid isn’t out of the question at this point, but at least a split in the desert this weekend is vital to keep any postseason hopes alive. Up Next: 1/26 @ Arizona
10. Arizona State, 6-13 (2-5): The Devils couldn’t keep alive the magic they had last week against Oregon State, as ASU ventured into the Rocky Mountains and came out 0-2. The 21-point loss to Utah hurts the most, especially as the Utes could pass the Devils in next week’s power rankings. Up Next: 1/26 vs. Washington
11. Utah, 5-14 (2-5): Do you believe in miracles? Utah has finally climbed out of the Pac-12 power ranking cellar after eight straight weeks at #12. Up Next: 1/26 @ UCLA
12. USC, 5-15 (0-7): The nightmare continued for the Trojans this week, although they did have a chance to snap the losing streak on Thursday in Eugene. Instead, the Ducks pulled out a three-point win, and the Trojans have now dropped 11 of their past 12. Up Next: 1/29 vs. Colorado