Big 12 basketball power rankings: Does Kansas make jump after upset of Iowa State?
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Kansas is still Kansas. Well, at least when it wants to be.
The Jayhawks have not been the class of the Big 12 the past two seasons. They even started this season 1-2 in conference play, including a loss at West Virginia.
But in a deep conference full of top-25 teams, a win can change the fortune of the season.
Like an 84-63 rout of previously unbeaten Iowa State.
Kansas emphatically flexed its muscles against a national championship contender.
Led by freshman phenom Darryn Peterson and Illinois transfer Tre White, the Jayhawks never trailed and led by as much as 26.
“I was in a better mood coaching tonight,” coach Bill Self told reporters, “because I thought the guys tried so hard.”
Now, can the Jayhawks keep the momentum? Are they back?
A wildly inconsistent start to league play doesn’t really instill hope. But with three straight games against unranked opponents, there is a chance to make real progress toward a Big 12 title run.
Let’s get to this week’s Big 12 power rankings.
1. Arizona
Last week: 1
This week: at UCF (Saturday); vs. Cincinnati (Wednesday)
What to know: The No. 1-ranked team in the country is still undefeated, and the re-emergence of freshman Koa Peat makes the Wildcats even better. He’s averaged 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in four Big 12 games.
2. Iowa State
Last week: 2
This week: at Cincinnati (Saturday); vs. UCF (Tuesday)
What to know: The Cyclones’ vaunted defense showed signs of cracking in the past week, first against Oklahoma State before being completely dismantled by Kansas. Should Iowa State fans be concerned? Not yet.
3. Houston
Last week: 3
This week: vs. Arizona State (Sunday)
What to know: The Cougars remain the most consistent team in the league since it expanded. They’ve won 10 straight games. They’ve won 14 straight at home and 16 on the road. Somehow, they still feel overlooked in the Big 12.
4. BYU
Last week: 4
This week: at Texas Tech (Saturday)
What to know: AJ Dybantsa has been sensational. He’s scored 20 or more points in 10 straight games. Meanwhile, the Cougars have won 13 straight heading into a massive matchup at Texas Tech.
5. Texas Tech
Last week: 5
This week: vs. BYU (Saturday); at Baylor (Tuesday)
What to know: Is there a better duo in the Big 12 than JT Toppin and Christian Anderson? Toppin remains a monster. Anderson is having a breakout season. And the Red Raiders continue to win.
6. Kansas
Last week: 6
This week: vs. Baylor (Friday); at Colorado (Tuesday)
What to know: The Jayhawks play Baylor, Colorado and Kansas State before facing BYU to close out the month. Forgive me if I’m counting down until Jan. 31 when Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa face off.
7. UCF
Last week: 7
This week: vs. Arizona (Saturday); at Iowa State (Tuesday)
What to know: Since falling to Oklahoma State, the Knights have two straight wins — both while holding off furious rallies from Cincinnati and Kansas State. It’s the kind of wins that only help a March resume.
8. TCU
Last week: 8
This week: at Utah (Saturday); vs. Oklahoma State (Tuesday)
What to know: The Big 12 is hard. Just ask the Horned Frogs. They’re coming off a stretch of three losses against ranked opponents. Utah, Oklahoma State and a rematch with Baylor are a welcome sight.
9. Baylor
Last week: 10
This week: at Kansas (Friday); vs. Texas Tech (Tuesday)
What to know: The Bears have life. After averaging 59.3 points in three Big 12 losses, Baylor scored 57 in one half against Oklahoma State. Finding more offense before facing Kansas and Texas Tech is big.
10. Oklahoma State
Last week: 9
This week: vs. Kansas State (Saturday); at TCU (Tuesday)
What to know: Second-year coach Steve Lutz said the Cowboys’ defense was embarrassing in a blowout loss to Baylor. OSU has allowed 83 or more points in each Big 12 loss and ranks last in points allowed per game in the conference.
11. West Virginia
Last week: 12
This week: vs. Colorado (Saturday); at Arizona State (Wednesday)
What to know: The Mountaineers had to feel good after the upset of Kansas. Then, reality set in at Houston. West Virginia is now 1-4 in Quad 1 games, a problem for any NCAA Tournament plans.
12. Arizona State
Last week: 14
This week: at Houston (Sunday); vs. West Virginia (Wednesday)
What to know: The Sun Devils had a positive week. A win over Kansas State was needed. Pushing rival Arizona — which had beaten three Big 12 opponents by a total of 57 points — to a near upset was a game they can build from moving forward.
13. Cincinnati
Last week: 15
This week: vs. Iowa State (Saturday); at Arizona (Wednesday)
What to know: A social media movement nearly led fans to wearing paper bags over their head in protest of Bearcats coach Wes Miller on Jan. 14. Security put a stop to that. But even after Cincinnati beat Colorado for its first Big 12 win, is that enough to turn down the heat?
14. Colorado
Last week: 13
This week: at West Virginia (Saturday); vs. Kansas (Tuesday)
What to know: The Buffaloes have an offense that can put up big numbers. But falling behind by as much as 24 and 21 in the first half of consecutive games is too much even for that fire power.
15. Kansas State
Last week: 11
This week: at Oklahoma State (Saturday); vs. Utah (Tuesday)
What to know: The Wildcats are 0-4 to open Big 12 play, their worst start to conference play since 2022. That was Bruce Weber’s final season as coach. Could Jerome Tang’s job be in jeopardy?
16. Utah
Last week: 16
This week: vs. TCU (Saturday); at Kansas State (Saturday)
What to know: The Utes, who are slightly better defensively than Oklahoma State, haven’t won a game since Dec. 20. Perhaps, there is a win in sight with winless K-State looming next week.
Jacob Unruh is the deputy sports editor for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jacob? He can be reached at junruh@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support Jacob’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Big 12 basketball power rankings: Where Kansas stands after Iowa State win
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