Gonzaga on prime and MW grabs 4 of the ten spots

Our first Better of the West basketball rankings of the 2022-23 season replicate power throughout two conferences and weak spot in a 3rd.

The West Coast has simply two entries however owns the No. 1 spot.

The Mountain West claims 4 of the ten positions (though not one of the prime three).

The Pac-12 has 4, as properly — a comparably low complete given its useful resource and recruiting benefits however one which tracks with its abysmal displaying in non-conference play.

There most likely aren’t sufficient head-to-head matchups between the Pac-12 and the Mountain West to attract definitive conclusions, however the season might finish with a wholesome debate over the identification of the perfect convention within the West.

*** Disclaimer: In some circumstances, the order beneath doesn’t replicate placement in my Related Press top-25 poll, which tracks with pointers offered by the AP.

(Outcomes listed date again to Saturday.)

1. Gonzaga (6-3)Outcomes: beat Kent State 73-66Subsequent up: vs. Washington (Friday)NET rating: 20Remark: The Zags have wins over Michigan State and No. 16 Kentucky, whereas all three losses are to ranked groups (No. 2 Texas, No. 4 Purdue and No. 12 Baylor). No one else out West has a comparable resume.

2. Arizona (7-1/1-1 Pac-12)Outcomes: beat Cal 81-68Subsequent up: vs. Indiana (Saturday)NET rating: 27Remark: We had been a tad shocked by the searing begin, which included wins over Cincinnati, San Diego State and Creighton. We had been fairly shocked by the latest pratfall, within the type of a 15-point loss at Utah.

3. UCLA (7-2/2-0 Pac-12)Outcomes: beat Oregon 65-56Subsequent up: vs. Denver (Saturday)NET rating: 14Remark: Two mammoth video games loom subsequent week with a visit to No. 13 Maryland, then a date with No. 16 Kentucky in Madison Sq. Backyard. Nothing fallacious with a cut up.

4. San Diego State (7-2)Outcomes: beat Troy 60-55Subsequent up: vs. Saint Mary’s (Saturday)NET rating: 49Remark: One high-level win (Ohio State) and two high-level losses (Arizona and Arkansas) present cause to ignore that mid-level NET. One other vital take a look at comes Saturday.

5. New Mexico (8-0)Outcomes: beat Western New Mexico 102-63Subsequent up: vs. UTSA (Saturday)NET rating: 24Remark: The Lobos’ postseason destiny might hinge on how properly Saint Mary’s, a latest sufferer, performs within the WCC — and whether or not the Gaels beat Gonzaga at the least as soon as.

6. Arizona State (9-1/2-0 Pac-12)Outcomes: beat Stanford 68-64 and SMU 75-57Subsequent up: vs. Creighton (Monday)NET rating: 32Remark: The Solar Devils’ solely lack of the season was Texas Southern’s solely victory of the season. (You may’t make it make sense.)

7. UNLV (9-0)Outcomes: received at San Diego 95-78Subsequent up: vs. Washington State (Saturday)NET rating: 37Remark: One of the best wanting outcomes on UNLV’s good ledger are wins over Dayton and Minnesota. However each groups are merely .500, so we’re hesitant to fit the Rebels any greater.

8. Utah (7-2/2-0 Pac-12)Outcomes: beat Washington State 67-65Subsequent up: vs. Jacksonville State (Thursday)NET rating: 29Remark: The double-digit victory over Arizona was spectacular, however let’s not overlook following it up with a find-a-way escape at Washington State.

9. Saint Mary’s (7-3)Outcomes: misplaced to Houston 53-48, beat Missouri State 66-46Subsequent up: vs. San Diego State (Saturday)NET rating: 17Remark: The three losses (to Washington, Houston and New Mexico) are all by 5 factors or much less. In the meantime, the seven wins haven’t been.

10. Utah State (7-0)Outcomes: beat USF 82-64Subsequent up: vs. Loyola Marymount (Saturday)NET rating: 18Remark: We can’t clarify the Aggies’ lofty NET rating. And after we can’t clarify the NET, we disregard the NET.

*** Notice: The Better of the West rankings can be revealed every Thursday by the common season.

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