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College Basketball Pac-12 Power Rankings: Week 12

By Andrew Hammond

Jan 19, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) shoots over the top of California Golden Bears center Kameron Rooks (44) in the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) shoots over the top of California Golden Bears center Kameron Rooks (44) in the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cal and Utah look to be making a charge in the  Pac-12 conference as we reach the midway point of the season. 

We’re finally starting to the see the conference take shape as we enter the 12th week of the Pac-12 season. This past Saturday gave us a good indication of the conference’s Final Four contenders as for right now there are just two. As far as the NCAA’s go, it appears to be six teams right now challenging for the field of 68. However, one team remains lurking with a chance to make it seven by selection Sunday.

12

Oregon State Beavers

Last week: 4-16 (0-7 Pac-12)
Last rank: 12

So for Oregon State, we’ve got a bad news/good news situation going on currently. The bad news is that they’re still winless in the Pac-12 and seem to be in the basement for  the duration of the this season. However, we’ve got some good news coming for the Beavers. In their last game at home against Cal, the Beavers looked pretty good, despite the loss. Now, they’ll have a chance to notch their first conference win against the other winless foe in the Pac-12, Colorado. It’s been easy to crack jokes about Wayne Tinkle and his struggling team but in all seriousness, this team is making strides. They’ve just been handed a tough hand in the conference. Thursday night is a golden opportunity to change their fortunes.

11

Colorado Buffaloes

Last week: 10-10 (0-7 Pac-12)
Last rank: 11

Another team that’s been struggling in the Pac-12 is Colorado. Unlike Oregon State, Colorado’s run in the conference has involved near misses against the conference heavyweights. Close losses against USC and UCLA followed up by two close losses against Washington and Washington State, the Buffaloes are hungry for a win. As previously stated, Colorado will face Oregon State this coming Thursday and while that may not be the sexiest matchup of a lackluster slate of games this weekend, it’s still worth the watch. Two teams scratching and clawing for the elusive conference win? Yes please.