Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Horns Up, Mountaineers Down

The Big 12 won the Big 12/SEC Challenge, but it wasn't as convincing as most people expected. Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State all took losses at the hands of SEC foes.

To date, the conference is a combined 62-13. Only two teams have lost more than one game.

Let's get to the rankings:

1. Texas Longhorns, 7-1 (previous rank: 2)

Last week I said Texas would definitely be at the top of these rankings if they beat Kentucky in Lexington. Well, that didn't happen, but the Longhorns handled themselves against the Cats much better than Kansas did. I don't understand how the Longhorns dropped in the AP poll this week. They lost to the #1 team in America after being tied at halftime and battling all game. This team is going to be an absolute nightmare to play when they get their full roster healthy.
Last week: Defeated UT-Arlington 63-53 (12/2), Lost @ Kenucky 63-51 (12/5)
This week: Vs. Texas State (12/13)

2. Kansas Jayhawks, 6-1 (previous rank: 1)

Kansas rallied from a 15 point halftime deficit to beat Florida. Wayne Selden had by far his best game of the season, scoring 22 points on 9-15 shooting. That was the player Kansas expected this season,  and the one they'll need if they make a deep run in March.
Last week: Defeated Florida 71-65 (12/5)
This week: @ Georgetown (12/10), Vs. Utah (12/13)

3. Iowa State Cyclones, 5-1 (previous rank: 4)

The Cyclones looked very impressive last week, trouncing #18 Arkansas by 18 points. Georges Niang leads all Big 12 players so far with 19.5 PPG.
Last week: Defeated Lamar 96-59 (12/2), Defeated Arkansas 95-77 (12/4)
This week: Vs. UMKC (12/9), @ Iowa (12/12), Vs. Southern (12/14)

4. Oklahoma Sooners, 5-2 (previous rank: 5)

Oklahoma started the second half of their victory over Missouri on a 15-0 run. Houston transfer TaShawn Thomas has only scored in double figures twice this season, after averaging over 15 PPG for the Cougars last season.
Last week: Defeated Missouri 82-63 (12/5)
This week: @ Tulsa (12/13)

5. West Virginia Mountaineers, 8-1 (previous rank: 3)

Having West Virginia at three last week was probably a little premature. WVU let a second half double-digit lead slip through their fingers as LSU defeated the Mountaineers in Morgantown. West Virginia is currently dead last in the Big 12 in field goal percentage and three point field goal percentage, shooting 41.0% and 29.6%, respectively. On the bright side, they're average nearly four more steals than any other conference team (14). Their win over Connecticut looks a little less impressive now, with the Huskies riding a three game losing streak after falling at home to Yale.
Last week: Lost to LSU 74-73 (12/4), Defeated Northern Kentucky 67-42 (12/7)
This week: Vs. Marshall @ Charleston (12/14)

6. Baylor Bears, 7-1 (previous rank: 7)

The Bears shot 55% from three in their impressive road win over Vanderbilt. Baylor is first in the conference so far in opponent scoring, allowing just under 53 points a game.
Last week: Defeated Texas Southern 75-49 (12/1), Defeated Vanderbilt 66-63 (12/4)
This week: Vs. Texas A&M (12/9)

7. TCU Horned Frogs, 8-0 (previous rank: 8)

TCU completed their sweep of the state of Mississippi, defeating the Rebels just five days after downing Mississippi State. The Horned Frogs are off to their best start since the 1997-98 season.
Last week: Defeated Ole Miss 66-54 (12/4)
This week: Vs. Furman (12/9), Vs. McNeese State (12/13)

8. Oklahoma State Cowboys, 7-1 (previous rank: 6)

The Cowboys got blasted in their first game against a power five school. Not a good sign. Oklahoma State shot only 24.6% against South Carolina, and allowed the Gamecocks to shoot 43.3%.
Last week: Defeated North Texas 87-61 (12/3), Lost @ South Carolina 75-49 (12/6)
This week: @ Memphis (12/13)

9. Texas Tech Red Raiders, 5-1 (previous rank: 10)

Texas Tech held up their end of the deal in the Big 12/SEC Challenge, squeaking by Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers after a Devaugntah Williams layup in the final seconds.
Last week: Defeated Auburn 46-44 (12/3)
This week: Vs. Fresno State (12/10), Vs. Prairie View A&M (12/14)

10. Kansas State Wildcats, 4-4 (previous rank: 9)

K-State in all likelihood is not really the worst team in the conference, but with twice as many losses as any other Big 12 squad, this is where they belong. For now.
Last week: Defeated Omaha 84-66 (12/2), Lost @ Tennessee 65-64 (12/6)
This week: Vs. Bradley (12/9), Vs. Savannah State (12/14)