UCLA is rising up in the state of California college basketball power rankings

Due to their strong play at the beginning of the month and placement in our power rankings, a few teams in the state of California are setting themselves apart from other teams and one of those teams is UCLA.

Feb 10, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; The UCLA Bruins bench celebrates a 3-point basket against
Feb 10, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; The UCLA Bruins bench celebrates a 3-point basket against | D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels guard Aidan Mahaney (20) shoots inside San
Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels guard Aidan Mahaney (20) shoots inside San | Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

These are the top two teams ranked in the second state of California college basketball power rankings.

Most impressive victories this season: Saint Mary's (79-54) at Continental Tire Main Event, Washington (100-97 OT) at Continental Tire Main Event, Long Beach State (88-76), @ UC San Diego (63-62), UC Irvine(63-62), @Gonzaga(84-74), UNLV(72-61), Nevada(71-59), Utah State (81-67), Colorado State (71-55), and New Mexico (81-70).


Quadrant 1 and 2 defeats this season: @ New Mexico (70-88), @ Colorado State (71-79), @ BYU (65-74), @Grand Canyon (73-79), @ Boise State (66-67), and @ Nevada (66-70).

Most important factors for SDSU in their bid for postseason play: They are projected as a lock for the NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed at this time. They presently have five quadrant one wins and they have won four of their last five games. They have five regular season games scheduled as well as the Mountain West tournament.

Most impressive victories this season: New Mexico (72-58), Davidson (89-55), @ Colorado State(64-61), UNLV (69-67), @ Santa Clara (73-49), @ San Francisco (77-60), Santa Clara (82-77), and @ Gonzaga (64-62).

Quadrant 1 and 2 defeats this season: San Diego State (54-79) at Continental Tire Main Event, Xavier (49-66) at Continental Tire Main Event, Utah (71-78), @ Boise State (60-63), and Missouri State (64-69).

Most important factors for Saint Mary's in their bid for postseason play: They like SDSU, are projected to be a lock to make the NCAA Touranment. The Gaels are also currently ranked No. 18 in the AP top 25 poll and No. 19 in Coaches Poll for week 15. Saint Mary's has also won 13 straight games and is undefeated in conference play.

Schedule

Schedule