The Big 12/SEC Challenge took place on Saturday, but we still rank the teams in the Big 12 Conference. Here’s how things are looking in the world of men’s basketball.
10. West Virginia University (9-11, 1-6)
The Mountaineers had a tough week, taking on Baylor and then playing the number one team in the country, Tennessee. They went 0-2 and haven’t looked good this entire season except against KU. They are struggling this year, and I don’t see it getting much better for them.
9. Oklahoma State University (9-11, 2-5)
The Cowboys blew a double-digit lead on Wednesday night against Oklahoma at home, but followed up that performance with a win against South Carolina. They are playing with a short bench due to some player violations, so they will have a hard time when we get to the thick of the Big 12 schedule in a few weeks.
8. University of Oklahoma (15-5, 3-4)
The Sooners had a pretty good week in a comeback win over Oklahoma State and winning big against Vanderbilt on Saturday. They didn’t have any trouble with Vanderbilt, but they will need to show the Big 12 if they are for real when they take on Baylor tonight.
Related:
Energetic defense, sharp shooting bring Wildcats to win over No. 20 Sooners
7. Texas Christian University (15-4, 3-3)
I’m just going to say it: don’t sleep on the Horned Frogs. They have battled through some injuries and they beat Texas and Florida this week. They have only lost four games this year, but need a few more big wins to get the committee’s attention.
6. The University of Texas (11-9, 3-4)
It wasn’t a good week for the Longhorns, with a loss to TCU and then to Georgia on Saturday. The Longhorns played very well on KU’s home court, but they haven’t been very consistent this year. They are almost a .500 team, and they play KU at home on Tuesday. If the Longhorns win, they will be right back in the race for a good spot in the Big 12 Championship.
5. Baylor University (13-6, 4-2)
The Bears are starting to play well at a really good time, and they are riding a four-game win streak, beating Alabama on Saturday in a close game. Baylor is my dark horse to win the Big 12 Championship this year.
4. Texas Tech University (16-4, 4-3)
The Red Raiders got back to their winning ways on Saturday with a win over Arkansas, but they have struggled lately and need more scoring if they want to win the Big 12 Championship. They take on TCU and KU this week.
3. Iowa State University (15-5, 4-3)
The Cyclones are playing well right now and picked up a resume-building win against Ole Miss on Saturday. They are many people’s pick to take down KU and Kansas State for the regular season title.
2. Kansas State University (15-5, 5-2)
The Wildcats had a big win on Tuesday over Texas Tech, but followed up with arguably their worst loss of the season at Texas A&M. K-State has a slow week, with no games until they take on Oklahoma State this Saturday.
1. University of Kansas (16-4, 5-2)
The Jayhawks fell short against Kentucky this week, but they are still the best team right now in the Big 12. They need to beat Texas on Tuesday to stay at the top, which will be a tough test for the Jayhawks.
