1 No. 8 Utah (13-2, 3-0 Pac-12 Conference)
While the Utes are the second-most famous “the U” and feature the second-most famous Coach K, they are first in the Pac-12 Conference. Utah has won six in a row since a close loss at No. 9 Kansas.
This week: at ASU (8-8, 0-3), at No. 10 Arizona (14-2, 2-1)
2 No. 10 Arizona (14-2, 2-1)
After starting the season 12-0, the Wildcats have lost two of their last four. It’s gut check time for the Wildcats, whom Arizona head coach Sean Miller called out at his press conference on Tuesday.
This week: vs. Colorado (9-6, 2-1), vs. No. 8 Utah (13-2, 3-0)
3 Stanford (11-4, 3-1)
With two wins over ranked teams, the Cardinal have shown they belong up with UU and UA. However, its bad losses, like DePaul University and UCLA, make them look like just another one of the Pac-12’s bottom 10.
This week: vs. California (11-6, 1-3), vs. Connecticut (9-5, 2-2 American)
4 Oregon State (11-4, 2-1)
Sure, the Beavers lost to Quinnipiac and Division II Western Oregon (in an exhibition game), but they’re undefeated at home and beat Arizona. OSU will probably drop soon, but for now head coach Wayne Tinkle’s stream is strong.
This week: at Washington (11-4, 0-3), at Washington State (8-7, 2-1)
5 Washington (11-4, 0-3)
After losing four in a row, including a game to Washington State at home, the Huskies are in free fall. However, they’re the Pac-12’s fourth team (out of four) in the Big Dance in the latest Bracketology, so they’re slotted in the first division of the conference until it becomes a three bid league.
This week: vs. Oregon State (11-4, 2-1), vs. Oregon (12-4, 2-1)
6 Oregon (12-4, 2-1)
The Ducks have a nice looking record, but no notable wins, so they start the Pac-12’s mediocre parade. Oh well, spring football probably starts soon.
This week: at Washington State (8-7, 2-1), at Washington (11-4, 0-3)
7 Washington State (8-7, 2-1)
After a terrible nonconference slate, the Cougars opened Pac-12 play with impressive road wins at California and Washington. Wazzu head coach Ernie Kent faces his ex, Oregon, tonight. #Awkward.
This week: vs. Oregon (12-4, 2-1), vs. Oregon State (11-4, 2-1)
8 Colorado (9-6, 2-1)
Once thought to be a challenger for the Pac-12 title, the Buffaloes have slumped to the lower half of the conference. At least CU is 2-1 in the Pac-12, thanks to the lousy LA schools coming to town.
This week: at No. 10 Arizona (14-2, 2-1), at ASU (8-8, 0-3)
9 California (11-6, 1-3)
Since opening conference play with a nice win over Washington, the Golden Bears have lost to Wazzu and lowly USC. After starting the year 10-1, they lost four of five.
This week: vs. Stanford (11-4, 3-1)
10 UCLA (11-7, 3-2)
The Bruins had lost five in a row until they upset Stanford, thanks in no small part to a call by the refs that former UA and USC head coach Kevin O’Neill said Helen Keller could have made. O’Neill also said Daily Wildcat alumnus Luke Della needs to get a life in that same broadcast; shots fired.
This week: 83-66 W vs. USC (9-8, 1-4)
11 USC (9-8, 1-4)
While the Trojans did beat Cal, make no mistake — college basketball in Southern California is suffering. Fun fact: USC has seven players from the Golden State, two from Serbia and one each from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Louisiana.
This week: 66-83 L vs. UCLA (11-7, 3-2)
12 ASU (8-8, 0-3)
In a dreadful conference, the Sun Devils bring up the rear. At least their women’s team is good and ASU is so much a women’s hoops school that its student newspaper does power rankings for women’s basketball.
This week: vs. No. 8 Utah (13-2, 3-0), vs. Colorado (9-6, 2-1)
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