WCC Power Rankings: January 28th, 2014

Jan 18, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Dons head coach Rex Walters calls a play during the first half of the game against the San Diego Toreros at War Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

3. San Francisco

Last Week: 4

Record: 13-8 (6-3)

RPI: 98

KenPom: 118

Place in Conference Standings: 3

By James Stapleton

San Francisco lucked out with scheduling and was able to play all nine teams in the WCC during their first nine conference matchups. Currently sitting at a record of 6-3, USF has maintained its preseason promise as a team striving to reach the top three in the WCC. To sweeten the deal, the Dons still have to play Gonzaga and St. Mary’s at home during the last half of the WCC slate. With the conference tightly knit this year, the Green & Gold have not yet secured their spot out of a play-in game during the WCC tournament. However, current expectations on the Hilltop are to get past the weekend in the conference tournament and make a run on their first tournament bid since 1998.

Next week USF finishes their five game home stand with visits from Portland and Gonzaga. The Dons will rely on home court advantage as USF is currently 4-2 at home since the 2010-2011 season against the two Pacific Northwest traveling partners. No matter how the upcoming week turns out, the Dons will have to continue to prove they belong until their last game in the WCC regular season. Getting hot at the right time is key when it comes to March basketball and postseason play.