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By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
tThe Selection Show is next week and the conference tournaments are in full swing.
After two key wins last week, UCLA arguably clinched its at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
With six teams in the region now expected to receive bids, the remaining programs are fighting for their postseason lives.
Santa Clara and New Mexico are the top candidates for an invite, while San Diego State, California and Stanford are still in the picture.
Here’s how I see the top 10 college basketball teams in the West with a week left until Selection Sunday.
1. Arizona (29-2, 16-2)
tThe Wildcats are locked into first place in the West after beating Iowa State and Colorado last week.
Tommy Lloyd’s team set the program record for most wins in a regular season, finishing the year with 29 wins.
But this team will always be defined by what happens in the NCAA Tournament. Anything less than a Final Four would be a disappointment.
2. Gonzaga (28-3, 16-2)
METROThe ark Few team had a full week off. The Zags haven’t played since a Feb. 28 loss to Saint Mary’s on the road.
As the top seed in the WCC tournament, Gonzaga faces Oregon State in the semifinals.
Expected to be around the fourth seed in the NCAA Tournament, another Sweet 16 run could be in the cards. But a Second Round loss wouldn’t be a surprise.
3. Brigham Young University (21-10, 9-9)
TOAfter being defeated by Cincinnati earlier in the week, BYU defeated Texas Tech in Provo. The victory could change the outlook for the NCAA Tournament.
But the Big 12 Tournament is looming and an early exit would be detrimental. Kevin Young’s team enters Kansas City as a lowly 10th seed, and will face Kansas State on Tuesday.
If the Conference tournament goes well, BYU could finish 6th in the Big Dance.
4.UCLA (21-10, 13-7)
dDon’t look now because UCLA is playing its best basketball of the season. Donovan Dent has been crying as the Bruins have won four of their last five.
With recent wins over Illinois and Nebraska, UCLA has gone from bubble team to NCAA Tournament lock.
The questions now revolve around the planting and the region.
5. Santa María (27-4, 16-2)
TOAs the runner-up in the WCC tournament, Saint Mary’s has a full week off before returning to action.
The Gaels have already secured their bid to the Big Dance and will face Santa Clara in the semifinals on Monday night.
Consistently able to advance out of the round of 16, don’t overlook Randy Bennett’s team. Maybe this will finally be the year they make it to the Sweet 16.
6. Utah State (25-6, 15-5)
tThe Aggies won the Mountain West regular season championship in their final year in the league.
It’s a historic milestone for the only MWC team considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament. But how far the state of Utah goes is an open question.
The crushing loss to UNLV last week put a damper on expectations. At this point, a First Round loss would not be unexpected.
7. Santa Clara (24-7, 15-3)
YesSanta Clara took advantage of the chaos last week. Several Bubble teams lost, making the Broncos’ path to the NCAA Tournament more likely.
After defeating Pacific in the quarterfinals of the WCC tournament, Herb Sendek’s team faces Saint Mary’s in the semifinals.
A win would secure Santa Clara in the Tournament, while a loss would make Selection Sunday an exciting time.
8. New Mexico (22-9, 13-7)
tThe Lobos managed to exit the NCAA Tournament last week. With losses to Colorado State and Utah State, Eric Olen’s team is now on the outside looking in.
Entering the Mountain West Conference Tournament as a third seed, UNM may need to reach the Championship Game to keep its hopes alive.
New Mexico is at the mercy of other Bubble teams across the country and could be lost to a bid stealer in another league.
9. San Diego State (20-10, 14-6)
YesDSU is in a bad situation. The loss to Boise State last week arguably destroyed any remaining chance the Aztecs had of making an at-large bid.
Now, the only way could be to win the Mountain West Tournament. Circumstances can change and evolve rapidly.
But San Diego State has underperformed all season and the MWC is a potential one-bid league. It is not a good scenario when there is a week left until selection Sunday.
10. California (21-10, 9-9)
tTo reach the Big Dance, the Bears must participate in the ACC Tournament. Losses to Pittsburgh and Wake Forest late in the year were damaging.
As the ninth seed, California faces Florida State with a chance to play Duke if they take care of the Seminoles. There is always a possibility.
But Cal’s NCAA Tournament hopes are on life support and an at-large bid seems unlikely.
Only lost: stanford
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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