Each week for the remainder of the college basketball season, The Oregonian/OregonLive will release weekly Pac-12 power rankings.
Click here for last week’s installment.
The top three teams in the league title race are tightly packed after last week, when UCLA completed a massive comeback to defeat Oregon. No. 5 Arizona leads the Pac-12 race and the AP Top 25 rankings, while No. 6 UCLA and No. 7 Oregon are very much alive.
1. UCLA (23-3, 10-3)
Last week: Won 82-79 vs. Oregon, Won 78-60 vs. Oregon State
Following a two-game skid, the much-maligned Bruins defense has held down multiple low-efficiency offenses and then did enough to earn a return-victory over the Ducks. Steve Alford got a little snippy Sunday when questioned about his team’s defense, but should have reason to smile now.
This week: Saturday vs. USC
2. Oregon (22-4, 11-2)
Last week: Lost 82-79 at UCLA, Won 81-70 at USC
Nothing to be alarmed about. The Ducks blew a golden opportunity for a signature road victory but rebounded with a solid win over an emerging USC team likely destined for the tournament. Oregon could very easily back in the No. 1 spot next week.
This week: Thursday vs. Utah, Saturday vs. Colorado
3. Arizona (23-3, 12-1)
Last week: Won 74-67 vs. Stanford, Won 62-57 vs. California
Good news: The Wildcats again have the inside edge at the Pac-12 championship. Bad news: Super frosh Lauri Markkanen has really struggled for two weeks, failing to reach double figures in four consecutive games. That trend will be concerning if it continues against the defensively challenged Washington schools.
This week: Thursday at Washington State, Saturday at Washington
4. USC (21-5, 8-5)
Last week: Won 92-66 vs. Oregon State, Lost 81-70 vs. Oregon
The Trojans convincingly handled UCLA when they last met, even without Bennie Boatwright. Now USC is back at full strength with the chance to sweep their cross-town rivals for the second year in a row – and elevate the team’s national profile heading into March.
This week: Saturday at No. 6 UCLA
5. California (18-7, 9-4)
Last week: Won 68-43 at Arizona State, Lost 62-57 at Arizona
Cal hung with Arizona in Tucson with point guard Charlie Moore limited by a hip injury. But the Golden Bears are still likely on the bubble until they get that signature win – one that won’t come this week.
This week: Friday at Stanford
6. Utah (17-8, 8-5)
Last week: Won 74-70 vs. Washington State, Won 85-61 vs. Washington
After Larry Krystkowiak broke a clipboard with his hand during a timeout, Utah went on a 20-0 run against the Huskies. Save yourself, Larry. There’s still three weeks of regular season to play and UW is no threat.
This week: Thursday at No. 7 Oregon, Sunday at Oregon State
7. Colorado (15-11, 5-8)
Last week: Won 81-66 vs. Washington, Won 81-49 vs. Washington State
Once-suspended starters Wesley Gordon and Xavier Johnson returned Saturday and the Buffs have won five of their last six, making a push for some form of postseason play.
This week: Thursday at Oregon State, Saturday at No. 7 Oregon
8. Arizona State (12-14, 5-8)
Last week: Lost 68-43 vs. California, Won 75-69 vs. Stanford
Kodi Justice went 3 of 6 from three-point range against Cal. The remainder of the team went 0 of 19, leading to a season-low 43 points. A comeback win from nine points down over Stanford salvaged the weekend and perhaps washed away that bad taste.
This week: Thursday at Washington, Saturday at Washington State
9. Stanford (12-13, 4-9)
Last week: Lost 74-67 at Arizona, Lost 75-69 at Arizona State
A coaching change has not improved the Cardinal’s long-range shooting prowess. For the second year in a row, Stanford is shooting a league-worst 30.7 percent from three-point range in league play.
This week: Friday vs. California
10. Washington State (11-14, 4-9)
Last week: Lost 74-70 at Utah, Lost 81-49 at Colorado
For the most part, this has been a year of progress for the Cougars. However, they have now been at the business end of three blowouts by 30 or more points in Pac-12 play.
This week: Thursday vs. No. 5 Arizona, Saturday vs. Arizona State
11. Washington (9-16, 2-11)
Last week: Lost 81-66 at Colorado, Lost 85-61 at Utah
Adding to a list of on-court embarrassments this season, Malik Dime slapped a Colorado fan Thursday and has been suspended indefinitely. Meanwhile, UW has been without Markelle Fultz (knee) for the last two games and – not surprisingly – stand no chance without him.
This week: Thursday vs. Arizona State, Saturday vs. No. 5 Arizona
12. Oregon State (4-22, 0-13)
Last week: Lost 92-66 at USC, Lost 78-60 at UCLA
This coming week, the Beavers may only have seven available players with scholarships expected to last beyond this season. Ten Pac-12 losses have now come by double-digit margins.
This week: Thursday vs. Colorado, Sunday vs. Utah
— Danny Moran
dmoran@oregonian.com
@DannyJMoran
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