By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
What a difference a week makes.
In the past seven days, the Bruins stymied USC and logged another quality Big Ten win over the Ducks, who have come unglued. Meanwhile, the Trojans stunned highly ranked Michigan State.
Arizona knocked off Iowa State and held off rival ASU in the Big 12. And the Lobos squeaked past UNLV before separating themselves from the Aggies in the Mountain West.
Here’s how I see the Top 10 squads from the West stacking up heading into Week 14.
1. UCLA (7-4, 16-6)
The resume of wins speaks for itself. The Bruins beat Arizona, Gonzaga, Oregon (twice) USC, and Wisconsin.
That puts UCLA at the top of the teams in the West. Mick Cronin challenged his players and they have responded.
With one month to go until March, the Bruins are trending up at the right time.
2. Arizona (9-1, 15-6)
The Wildcats went 2-0 last week and have won 11 of their past twelve games. Four of those victories have come against ranked opponents.
But there are no easy matchups in the Big 12 and it’s a long season.
The Cats were lucky to beat Iowa State and remain inconsistent.
3. Oregon (5-6, 16-6)
The Ducks have fallen apart.
The road loss to Minnesota was followed by a blowout defeat at UCLA and an embarrassing home loss to Nebraska.
Facing Michigan and Michigan State on the road next, Oregon is at risk of a five-game losing streak. Dana Altman faces a tough challenge to get his team back on track.
4. New Mexico (10-1, 18-4)
Forget about the loss to San Jose State in mid-January.
The Lobos dominated Utah State on their home floor and made a statement to the region.
With wins over UCLA and USC in the nonconference, New Mexico sits in first place in the Mountain West with a 10-1 record in conference.
5. Saint Mary’s (10-0, 20-3)
Perhaps it’s time to start taking Saint Mary’s more seriously.
The Gaels beat Gonzaga after throttling Santa Clara on the road. At No. 24 in KenPom and No. 22 in the NET, Saint Mary’s metrics are respectable.
But until the program proves it in the NCAA Tournament, the doubt will remain.
6. Gonzaga (7-3, 16-7)
Under Mark Few, Gonzaga has never lost more than three WCC games in a single season.
At the midway point of conference play, the Zags have already dropped three games.
If the Zags lose a fourth game, it will be the most conference losses in a single season since 1998.
7. BYU (6-4, 15-6)
BYU continues to surge in the Big 12.
Sitting at 6-4 in conference and on a four-game winning streak, the matchup with Arizona on Tuesday is critical. A win over the Wildcats would elevate the program’s reputation and boost its at-large resume.
Currently at No. 34 in the NET, getting into the Top 30 would make Selection Sunday more comfortable.
8. Utah State (9-2, 19-3)
The Aggies were exposed on their home floor. Getting blown out by New Mexico changes the perception of the team.
The nonconference win over Saint Mary’s has grown stronger, but you can’t have a margin of defeat like that on your home court.
The redemption opportunity is on February 16th against New Mexico in Albuquerque.
9. San Diego State (8-3, 15-5)
The Aztecs look shaky.
The nonconference resume can only hold so much weight and the results over the past few weeks don’t inspire confidence.
San Diego State may be on a four-game winning streak but don’t be surprised if it loses to Colorado State and San Jose State in its next two games.
10. USC (5-5, 13-8)
Eric Musselman has the Trojans at 5-5 in the Big Ten.
With wins over then-No. 13 Illinois and then-No. 7 Michigan State, USC is starting to find its way.
Facing Northwestern and Purdue on the road this week, coming away with a split is a reasonable expectation.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
