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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Bruins

Last week: 26-3, 13-3 Pac-12
Last rank: 2

The Bruins might be the most intriguing team in the nation entering the conference tournament, as it will be entertaining to see if a fantastic offense is good enough to overcome an improving yet poor overall defense.

UCLA crushed Washington without Markelle Fultz in an easy win on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Saturday’s 77-68 win over Washington State was a little more arduous, but the Bruins will gladly take a nine-game winning streak into the postseason.

The only teams to beat the Bruins this year are Oregon, Arizona and Southern California, all of whom UCLA would later get revenge on in the respective second meetings. Freshman Lonzo Ball continues to direct the offense beautifully and piled up a season-high 14 assists in the win over the Cougars.

UCLA actually slipped to second in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency behind Oklahoma State this week, but comfortably leads the nation with 1.199 points per possession. A No. 87 defensive ranking is much improved from a month ago, and Steve Alford showed an ability to make necessary adjustments in recent wins over Oregon and Arizona.

The Bruins are the third seed in the Pac-12 Tournament and will likely get a third matchup against the rival Trojans in Thursday’s quarterfinals.