WCC Power Rankings, February 4th
By Josh Horton
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: 3 (Idle)
Record: 14-9 (7-4)
RPI: 91
KenPom: 114
Place in Conference Standings: 2
By James Stapleton
The Green & Gold were defeated by the best team in the WCC on Saturday. With a glass half full perspective, it was entertaining to watch the Dons be aggressive and play with confidence. After picking up some steam in early conference play, USF still has not found the optimal game plan to surpass the perennial top team in the WCC. However, with only seven regular season games left to play, the Dons still have some challenges and opportunities before they can land a favorable game in the semi-finals of the WCC tournament.
This week the Dons will face off against the “WCC odd-couple” traveling partners, USD (Thursday) and BYU (Saturday). These two teams remind me of the Seattle Mariners/San Diego Padres match ups during interleague play in baseball. Never the less, the odd couple will be a challenge as both teams seem to be heating up for a second half run. I expect both match ups to be tight but I do not believe the Dons will back down to any opponent during the final stretch of there regular season.
Rex Walters’ approach requires his team to prepare one game at a time. With a three game lead over the 7th spot in the WCC, the Dons can worry less about the standings and more about improving each game.