Scoop Dreams columnist Eli Smukler checks in with this week’s Pac-10 men’s basketball Power Rankings (you can find last week’s rankings here):
1. No. 18 Washington (15-4, 7-1 Pac-10)
In their best start to conference play since 1986, the Huskies are the closest thing the Pac-10 has to a lock for the NCAA Tournament. Washington’s 17-point victory over Arizona was a statement to the entire conference, and its win over ASU kept the team undefeated at home.
2. Arizona (16-4, 5-2)
The loss to Washington hurts, but not many teams are going to beat the Huskies in Seattle this year and Arizona’s two-point victory over WSU in Pullman, Wash., almost made up for it. The Wildcats will be defending this No. 2 spot in these rankings when the L.A. schools visit this week.
3. UCLA (13-6, 5-2)
The Bruins’ four-game win streak is nice, but none of those wins would be bigger than a victory in Tucson, Ariz., this Thursday, where Arizona is still undefeated this season. Also, freshman center Joshua Smith, who sat out with a head injury, needs to return if UCLA wants to continue this run.
4. Washington State (14-6, 4-4)
Pac-10 scoring leader Klay Thompson was held to single digits for the first time this season and missed a critical shot in WSU’s 65-63 loss to Arizona. A win there would have done wonders for the Cougars, especially heading into their big rivalry game this Sunday in Pullman, Wash.
5. California (10-9, 3-4)
A gritty effort by the youthful Bears at Pauley Pavilion last Thursday almost netted them a shocking win. Instead, Cal settled for a weekend split, ousting USC by two at the Galen Center on Saturday. This upcoming four-game homestand will be essential to improving their standing.
6. USC (11-9, 3-4)
The most unpredictable team in the Pac-10. This week, USC demolished Stanford but couldn’t overcome Cal. Apparently, the Trojans can’t handle a zone defense, which is costing them. If they can’t make up some ground on this three-game road trip, the Trojans look headed for the NIT.
7. Stanford (10-8, 3-4)
It’s been all downhill for the Cardinal since its surprise victory over the conference-leading Huskies. Stanford scored a meager 42 points in its loss at USC and then blew a big first-half lead at UCLA. Hosting the Oregon schools this week could provide some comfort, though.
8. Oregon (9-10, 2-5)
New Oregon coach Dana Altman surely gained favor in Eugene, Ore., this week for winning his first matchup with rival OSU, in Corvallis, Ore., no less. The Ducks aren’t looking so terrible these days, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves: They still haven’t won a game out of state.
9. Oregon State (8-10, 3-4)
The Beavers spotted the Ducks a 17-point lead on their home floor, just like they did when the Bruins visited a couple weeks ago. Once again, they couldn’t come back and now ““ with five of their next seven games on the road ““ the worst is still to come.
10. Arizona State (9-10, 1-6)
Remember that Herb Sendek’s team was picked to finish fourth in this conference by the media (who?). The Sun Devils got swept on their trip to the state of Washington this week, and it’s starting to get bad. Only one of their six Pac-10 losses was by even a single-digit deficit.