POWER RANKINGS
Is it finally time to believe in BYU? The Cougars are just 3-4 in their first seven Big 12 games. That’s good enough for ninth place entering this weekend.
Ninth. Place.
Yet, BYU is No. 22 in the latest AP Top 25. They’re No. 6 in the NCAA NET rankings. They’re top 10 in KenPom.com’s rankings.
Maybe it’s the offense, which is second in scoring in the Big 12. Maybe it’s a defense that is also top five. Either way, the Cougars made quite a leap in the Big 12 power rankings. Let’s get to this week’s power rankings.
1. Houston (19-2, 6-2)
Last week: 1
What to know: Jamal Shead might be the best player in the conference. He certainly played like it in Austin on Big Monday. He’s also top five in steals (2.2) and assists (5.8) in the conference.
2. Iowa State (16-4, 5-2)
Last week: 2
What to know: Freshman Milan Momcilovic has been a revelation for the Cyclones, who have exceeded expectations at a level few in the country can claim. Some of that is Hilton Magic. But can Iowa State win big games on the road?
3. Kansas (17-4, 5-3)
Last week: 3
What to know: The Jayhawks had no issue against Oklahoma State without Kevin McCullar Jr. But if that injury lingers, the chances of another conference crown could take a big hit.
4. TCU (16-5, 5-3)
Last week: 5
What to know: The Horned Frogs are 4-2 against AP Top 25 teams in their last eight games. Give credit to the transfer portal, which led TCU to emerging star Trevion Tennyson and veteran Micah Peavy among others in recent years.
5. Texas Tech (16-4, 5-2)
Last week: 4
What to know: The Red Raiders are off to their best start since Bobby Knight led the way. And a good reason why is the improved offense under first-year coach Grant McCasland. Texas Tech is no longer just a defensive team.
6. BYU (15-5, 3-4)
Last week: 12
What to know: The metrics love the Cougars, who boast a high-flying offense but perhaps too nice of an administration. A strong defense helps, too. But can BYU win away from home? So far, it’s 1-3 away from Provo, Utah.
7. Texas (14-7, 3-5)
Last week: 7
What to know: The Longhorns are finally starting to look like the Longhorns. Extremely talented. Extremely inconsistent. It’s must-see basketball, no matter which way the game goes.
8. Oklahoma (16-5, 4-4)
Last week: 9
What to know: Sooners coach Porter Moser wants more defense. How about holding Kansas State scoreless for more than 8 minutes? Find that consistently, and OU is dangerous.
9. Baylor (15-5, 4-3)
Last week: 8 What to know: The last two weeks had to be maddening for Scott Drew and Co. Three straight losses — that ended with a come-back win at UCF — and two of those coming in overtime, including a triple-overtime disappointment against TCU.
10. Kansas State (14-7, 4-4)
Last week: 6
What to know: The Wildcats’ offense has gone cold. Droughts to start games against Houston and Oklahoma. Not exactly what would be expected from a team featuring Tylor Perry.
11. Cincinnati (14-7, 3-5)
Last week: 11
What to know: One of four teams with a 3-5 conference record, the Bearcats get the edge over the other two based on a big road win at BYU. But blowing a double-digit lead at former Big East rival West Virginia stings.
12. UCF (12-8, 3-5)
Last week: 10
What to know: Like Cincinnati, the Golden Knights get the edge over West Virginia based on a big road win at Texas. But they also let a double-digit slip away at home against Baylor.
13. West Virginia (8-13, 3-5)
Last week: 13
What to know: The Mountaineers have mostly played better recently — if the game is in Morgantown. Try to explain wins over Kansas and Texas otherwise.
14. Oklahoma St. (9-12, 1-7)
Last week: 14
What to know: The Cowboys finally got that conference win on a very important day. But when will the next one come?