Big 12 Power Rankings: Wildcats, Cougs Make Statements

The top teams of the Big 12 are rising to the top after two weeks of the season. It’s become very clear who sits atop the Big 12 power rankings after an impressive week. Arizona and Houston are certainly at the top of the list. Don’t look now, but the Iowa State Cyclones aren’t too far behind. Ranked wins are going to be a premium in this league with nine unbeatens and plenty of teams still in the hunt with losses against other top teams in the country.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Big 12 looks after two weeks.

Big 12 Power Rankings: Wildcats, Cougs Make Statements

1. Arizona (4-0)

The Wildcats are proving to be a dangerous team so far this season. Two wins over top 15 teams is a great resume thus far. Arizona had to fight to escape a heck of a challenge from UCLA on Friday at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome. That was a heck of a match-up worthy of the golden era of the former Pac-12. Koa Peat has been an impressive phenom, but Jaden Bradley has proven to be a steady hand this season. Visiting another top-five team this week will be must see. That game at UConn could be a real statement for the Wildcats.

Up Next: @ UConn Wednesday 11/19

2. Houston (4-0)

The Cougars handled business after handing Oakland its third-straight loss against a top 10 team; Houston had to give everything they had on Sunday against 22nd-ranked Auburn. A very memorable clash between two final four teams from a season ago, delivered. Houston was able to score a 73-72 victory over the Tigers. Freshman guard Kingston Flemings was able to lead the charge with 22 points.

Up next: Rider Thursday 11/20

3. Iowa State (3-0)

The Cyclones continue to be steady. They got a nice resume win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, last Monday. Tamin Lipsey had a nice second half during that game, as he scored 14 of his 25 points in the second half.

Up next: Stone Hill Today, 8 pm

4. BYU (3-1)

The Cougars came up just a little short in their highly contested game with UConn at the TD Garden in Boston. It was a great game that saw plenty of talent on display. Despite falling 86-84, BYU should be confident moving forward.

Up next: Wisconsin (Salt Lake City) Friday 11/21

5. Kansas (3-1)

The Jayhawks rebounded nicely from their loss against North Carolina, with back-to-back blowout wins. Texas A&M CC and Princeton stood no chance at Allen Fieldhouse. The next question for Kansas is Flory Bidunga, who is coming off a career high of 25 points. Is he and Darryn Peterson ready for their clash with yet another ACC power, Duke?

Up next: Duke (New York City), Tuesday 11/18

6. Texas Tech (3-1)

The Red Raiders rebounded from their close road loss at Illinois. JT Toppin continues to showcase why he’s one of the best shot makers in College Basketball. Texas Tech was able to extend its nonconference home winning streak to 41 by beating Milwaukee, behind 18 from Christian Anderson, who is a nice piece alongside Toppin.

Up next: Wake Forest (Bahamas) Thursday 11/20

7. Cincinnati (4-0)

The Bearcats reached 4-0 after wins over rival Dayton and Mount St Mary’s. They continue to prove they are pretty consistent, not to mention going to be a tough out each night. What they are truly worth will be tested this week with a clash with a top-15 team coming to town.

Up next: Louisville Friday 11/21

8. Baylor (3-0)

The Bears remain unbeaten after a 94-81 win against Tarleton State on Friday. Baylor remains steady. An off week prepares them for the Player Era Festival in Las Vegas during Feast Week.

Up next: Creighton (Las Vegas) Monday 11/24, St John’s (Las Vegas) Tuesday 11/25

9. West Virginia (4-0)

Hello, new coach, hello unbeaten. The Mountaineers apparently haven’t missed a step. A rivalry win against Pittsburgh was a huge step for this group.

Up next: Lafayette Today,  7:00 pm

10. Colorado (3-0)

The Buffaloes have plenty of confidence following a shocker of a win against Providence on Friday night. Colorado might be a surprise team in this crazy Big 12.

Up next: Alabama State Today, 9:00 pm, UC Davis, Friday 11/21

11. Oklahoma State (4-0)

Vyctorius Miller is starting to put the Cowboys on his back. The former LSU Tiger seems to have finally found his footing. The sophomore is averaging nearly 20 points a night. They pitched blowouts of both Prairie View A&M and Texas A&M CC.

Up next: South Florida, Wednesday 11/19, Nicholls Saturday, 11/22

12. Kansas State (3-0)

The Wildcats almost blew a 24-point second-half lead against California on Thursday. Kansas State can breathe easy after holding on 99-96. PJ Haggerty helped keep the Wildcats on the winning side.

Up next: Tulsa, Today, 8:00 pm, Mississippi State (Kansas City), Thursday, 11/20

13. Utah (4-0)

The Utes are another nice surprise to reach 4-0. The schedule has been favorable, and it sure looks that way for the next several games. Terrence Brown scored over 21 points in each of his last three games.

Up next: Purdue FW, Tuesday, 9 pm.

14. UCF (3-1)

The Golden Nights have faced two SEC teams to this point and have put up a nice fight. They scored a huge win by going on the road and winning at Texas A&M on Friday night. UCF might be low on the list, but they are too far off from climbing in the Big 12 power rankings.

Up next: Oakland, Today, 7:00 pm, Pittsburgh (Daytona Beach), Thursday, 11/20

15. TCU (2-2)

Despite forcing 21 turnovers by the sixth-ranked Michigan Wolverines, it wasn’t enough for TCU. The Horned Frogs dropped a tough one, 67-63, on their home floor. They have competed well this season, but adding this loss to the ugly home loss against New Orleans in the opener only makes them more deserving of this bottom spot in the Big 12 power rankings this week.

Up next: Kansas City, Wednesday, 11/19