BootPowerRatings - 3/5

Just when you think you have the Pac all figured out, another batch of twists last week turned the BPRs upside-down. kal registered their second-worst loss in history, dropping to third in defensive FG% in the conference... and even lower in the BPRs. Stanford's meteoric rise continues their yo-yo pattern in the ratings. Read on for a challenge to Oregon's AD, a penalty on $C and tough words for UCLA.

Pac-10 BootPowerRatings™

As of 3/5/02

Below are our exclusive BootPowerRatings™ of the Pac-10 conference. Each week during the basketball season, we will release our secret-formula rating of all teams of the Pac-10. The BootPowerRating™ (BPR) is calculated by utilizing a range of factors rumored to include: past results, statistics, common-opponent comparative results factor, strength-of-schedule, home-arena environment, cheerleader attitude and an unrevealed school spirit multiplier. The resulting rating score falls within a 1-100 scale, where 100 approximates a championship-bound team and a score of 1 is somewhere south of D-1.

1. Oregon [BPR=96]

After finishing the regular season on top, the Quackers need to do the same in the post season to garner a higher seed than their Pac-10 brethren. The pieces are all there for a deep dance; a big man inside, slashing wings and a go-to superstar. So, with success in football and now hoops, do you think the AD will re-instate baseball? [eDuck Sports]

2. USC [BPR=92]

The Trojenz joined their LA counterpart on the list of teams swept by Oregon this season when they lost to a Freddie Jones runner at the gun. A quick rebound against the Beavs kept $C in the two hole, but Hank's sudden change of attitude about the tournament is costing them points in the school-spirit multiplier category. [WeAreSC.com]

3. Stanford [BPR=88]

Nature tells us that nothing is more dangerous than a wounded animal with its back up against the wall. The Arizona schools found this to be true, as they were conquered by the wounded Cardinal in grinding fashion. With the bubble pressure relieved, Stanford looks to get back to their winning ways against $C in the first round. [The Bootleg.com]

4. Arizona [BPR=87]

If there was ever a perfect example of how quickly your game can change in college ball, last weekend was it for the Mildcats. After chucking medicine balls at the basket against Stanford, 'Zona couldn't miss against the league's best defense two nights later, and nearly doubled the weenies up. The rubber game against the rival Satans will kick off what Lute hopes will be his fourth straight Pac-10 tourney title. [CatTracks.net]

5. UCLA [BPR=83]

The preseason pick to win the Pac-10 title, the Ruins bought into Stevie's game plan once again and lost their focus just enough to finish 6th. Baby Blue set a lot of futility records this year, and finished them off by losing to Oregon at home for the first time since 1984. Now we get to see if Laugh-In's post-season voodoo works in the conference tournament as well. [Bruin Report Online]

6. California [BPR=82]

Focusing their efforts on grumbling about a perceived lack of respect in the polls, the weenies went into Tucson and got murdered by the Kitties. The split in the desert meant that for the second consecutive road trip, kal players had to sit in coach on the flight home, listening to the Card sing a song of victory. Now, get ready for Barnes-Legans Part 2 on Thursday night. [CyberBears]

7. Arizona St. [BPR=71]

Plagued by awful free throw shooting, the Sol Diablos dropped two at home and failed to pick up any momentum heading into post-season play. It is conceivable that the Pac-10 could get 7 teams into the tournament, but for that to happen, ASU must string together 3 straight wins, starting with a feline team they have had success with. [DevilsDigest.com]

8. Washington [BPR=63]

The Huskies avoided the embarrassment of being swept by the hapless Cougars and head into the conference tourney to face the hated Ducks. The pups might have visions of being that 7th team in, but considering they haven't won 3 games in a row all year, it is indeed a lofty goal. Maybe if Doug Wrenn is told there are NBA scouts in Staples, he can drop 50 per game. [Dawgman.com]

9. Oregon St. [BPR=51]

After occupying the 8 spot for so many weeks, the Beavs fell on hard times during the stretch run, and now the Corvallis residents find themselves in an unfamiliar position: waiting for the football season to start. [Beaver Sports Central]

10. Washington St. [BPR=38]

They had to wait all season for it, but the Cougs finally got a crack at independent Centenary, and they came through big time for the conference. The one-letter wonder, J Locklier, poured in a career high 40 points, leading Wazzu to their 6th win of the season. I don't know what is more ridiculous: Centenary's nickname (the Gents) or the fact that WSU got to play these guys. After what happened with their football scheduling, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. [Cougfan.com]