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By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
YoIt all comes down to that.
March is right around the corner and general resumes are under scrutiny.
Last week, UCLA helped itself with a critical win over Illinois, while USC shot itself in the foot with two losses.
At the same time, San Diego State fell out of the projected field with two losses, while Utah State hurt its projected seed by losing a game to Nevada.
In the ACC, California stayed in contention and essentially knocked out Stanford.
This week, there are several critical games in the WCC and MWC that will affect the Bubble conversation.
Here’s how I see the top 10 college basketball teams in the West with three weeks left until Selection Sunday.
1. Arizona (25-2, 12-2)
W.Without Koa Peat, the Wildcats defeated BYU and Houston.
The wins underscore the depth of Arizona’s roster and the coaching staff’s ability to adapt. Sidi Gueye and Evan Nelson went from bench warmers to rotating roles, contributing critical minutes in both games.
If anything, the absence of Peat and Dwayne Aristode has made Arizona stronger in the long run.
2. Gonzaga (27-2, 15-1)
tThe Zags crushed San Francisco and beat Pacific last week. But no one has forgotten that loss to Portland earlier this season.
Facing the Pilots in Spokane on Wednesday, Gonzaga has a chance to get revenge. Looking beyond the Big Dance, it’s probably unwise to doubt Mark Few.
However, it’s reasonable to wonder if the Bulldogs are deeper than the Sweet 16.
3. Brigham Young University (20-7, 8-6)
kEvin Young and his players are starting to adjust to the loss of Richie Saunders. In the win over Iowa State, Mihailo Boskovic and Kennard Davis Jr. stepped up.
Young needs his supporting players to continue increasing their production while AJ Dybantsa continues to dominate.
If the season ended today, Dybantsa would be the betting favorite to win the Big 12 Player of the Year award.
4. Utah State (23-4, 13-3)
TO The shot against a fifth seed simply went out the window with the road loss to Nevada. Now, the prospect of the dreaded eighth or ninth seed is becoming more realistic.
Utah State has the talent to get out of the First Round in that scenario, but probably won’t beat any of the projected top seeds.
To reach the Sweet 16, the Aggies may need to win their final four games of the regular season and at least reach the Mountain West Tournament Championship Game.
5. UCLA (18-9, 10-6)
METROick Cronin earned another signature victory this season with a victory over Illinois. Combined with the previous result against Purdue, the Bruins have effectively stepped off the cut line.
And with games remaining against USC, Minnesota and Nebraska, UCLA could enter the Big Ten Tournament on a five-game winning streak.
Still, any unexpected stumble could put the Bruins back in the danger zone.
6. Santa María (25-4, 14-2)
tThe Gaels escaped with a two-point victory over Seattle and then crushed Washington State.
The narrow margin of victory over the Redhawks is concerning at this point in the season. But none of that matters with Santa Clara and Gonzaga coming to Moraga this week.
Defeat both opponents and Saint Mary’s becomes a lock for the NCAA tournament. If they lose both, the Gaels could be left out of the projected field.
7. New Mexico (21-6, 12-4)
YoIt took a historic comeback to beat Fresno State on the road. However, at the end of the day, a win is a win.
There’s no time to think about the outcome, as Nevada and San Diego State are up next. The Lobos play the Wolf Pack on the road after Steve Alford’s team just defeated Utah State.
Still on the chopping block, New Mexico can’t afford to lose this week.
8. Santa Clara (23-6, 14-2)
YesSanta Clara’s NCAA tournament hopes are on the line this week against Saint Mary’s. Facing the Gaels away from home, the matchup could end up being a de facto elimination match.
The WCC will likely only receive one at-large bid, leaving three teams fighting for two spots.
Anything can happen, but the Broncos will feel much more comfortable on Selection Sunday if they beat Saint Mary’s on Wednesday.
9.California (19-8, 7-7)
METROark Madsen has the Bears in position to make the NCAA tournament. If the Selection Show were held today, it would be a draw.
That makes this week’s game against SMU critical. In some ways, it’s the most important game of the year for Cal. Beat the Mustangs and the Bears will likely enter the projected field.
A loss wouldn’t eliminate California, but it would be a substantial missed opportunity.
10. San Diego State (18-8, 12-4)
tThe Aztecs are on the wrong side of the conversation. The prospects of an at-large bid were already in doubt, even before losses to GCU and Colorado State last week.
Fortunately, there are still opportunities. San Diego State faces Utah State, New Mexico, Boise State and UNLV to close out the year.
Go 4-0 in that stretch and an offer seems much more likely.
Miller covers college basketball and college football, as well as Formula 1 racing as a senior writer and assistant editor for SuperWest Sports.
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Dane Miller’s Week 14 Best West Hoops Power Ratings
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