ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 18 Power Rankings

TEMPE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 31: Zylan Cheatham #45 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts during the second half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at Wells Fargo Arena on January 31, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 31: Zylan Cheatham #45 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts during the second half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at Wells Fargo Arena on January 31, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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EUGENE, OR – FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Larry Krystkowiak of the Utah Utes has some words with an official during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena on February 16, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Larry Krystkowiak of the Utah Utes has some words with an official during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena on February 16, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

6. Utah Utes (15-13, 9-7 Pac-12) LW: 4

The past weeks have not favored the Utah Utes. After sitting inside the top four in the Pac-12 standings for quite some time, they finally fell out and now sit at the five spot.

With an overall record of 15-13, the Utes have fought valiantly with a less-than-stellar roster. Coming down the stretch run of 2019, Utah has lost three of their last four, including losses to the No. 1 and 2 seeds in the conference, Washington and Arizona State.

Just three days ago, Utah lost to its rival, Colorado, 71-63, behind a double-double performance from Tyler Bey. He scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the victorious effort.

To close out the season, the Utes finish off on the Southern California swing, facing UCLA and USC at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. For now, it’s all about seeding in the Pac-12 Tournament.

The Utes’ only way into the ‘Big Dance’ is with a conference tournament victory, and with their lights-out shooting capability, anything is possible.

Right now, however, they sit at fifth in the conference. With two wins against USC and UCLA, they could potentially move into a top-four seed and garner a favorable matchup come time for Vegas.

Richard Geraffo