Scoop Dreams columnist Eli Smukler checks in with this week’s Pac-10 men’s basketball Power Rankings:
1. Washington (12-3, 4-0 Pac-10)
It’s too early to say the No. 17 Huskies have this conference in the bag, but they’re as close as they can be at this point. Washington hosted both Oregon schools without challenge and won the two games by a combined 49 points. Guard Isaiah Thomas was the conference player of the week with 39 points and 17 assists.
2. USC (10-6, 2-1)
The win against UCLA was critical in asserting this team in the conference race and strengthening USC’s bid for the NCAA Tournament. Transfer Jio Fontan has already shown that he provides an adequate balance to the Trojans’ secure post presence.
3. Arizona (14-3, 3-1)
In the wake of tragic events in Tucson over the weekend, the Wildcats beat Stanford in front of an emotional crowd of 14,374 at the McKale Center. Three days before, forward Derrick Williams had a career-high 31 points in the team’s come-from-behind win over Cal.
4. UCLA (9-6, 1-2)
The Bruins suffered their fourth consecutive loss to the rival Trojans and dropped further in the conference standings. Having already played some of the toughest teams in the Pac-10 though, a road trip to face Oregon and Oregon State should be a welcome reprieve.
5. Washington State (12-4, 2-2)
The Cougars took care of business against the Oregon schools, beating each by 14 at home. If this week’s venture to Northern California goes as planned, WSU should still be considered an outside shot at an NCAA Tourney bid.
6. Oregon State (7-8, 2-2)
There were no pleasant surprises in store this week for Beavers fans as OSU came up empty-handed in the Apple State. The 103-72 loss to Washington was definitely a low point, but at least sophomore guard Jared Cunningham is coming around nicely, averaging 18 points and three steals in Pac-10 play.
7. Stanford (9-5, 2-1)
The Cardinal split its road trip, playing well enough to beat Arizona State 55-41, but losing out to a more talented Arizona team three nights later. Cardinal junior bigman Josh Owens stood out with 15 points and 11 boards in the win over the Sun Devils.
8. California (8-7, 1-2)
The Golden Bears nearly toppled Arizona on the road, but had to settle for a split with a win over ASU. Freshman guard Allen Crabbe splashed onto the scene with two 17-point games that could predict good things to come for Berkeley in the future.
9. Arizona State (8-7, 1-3)
The Sun Devils barely topped 100 points for the week (102 points in two games) and dropped their first pair of home conference games to Cal and Stanford. Things aren’t looking good for ASU, but an upset of rival Arizona in Tuscon this weekend would change the tune in Tempe.
10. Oregon (7-9, 0-4)
The Ducks lost their fifth and sixth games in a row this week and welcome two hungry teams in USC and UCLA to Eugene this weekend. When does football season start again?