Big 12 power rankings: Conference rolls in Big East challenge, showing strength

The Big 12 used the Big East-Big 12 Challenge as a statement.

The 14-team conference should again be considered the best in the country. At least, that’s what winning the series 7-4 says for now.

The Big 12 is dominating the metrics — thanks to Houston, BYU and Oklahoma — and still showing out on the court.

That did not lead to much change this week in the power rankings. But there is some movement for two hot teams.

Let’s get to the rankings.

More: USA TODAY Sports Network 2023 All-Big 12 football team: Gordon, Sarkisian earn top awards

1. Kansas

Last week: 1

This week: vs. Missouri (Saturday)

What to know: Kevin McCullar Jr. opted to stay another year to improve his draft stock. So far, so good. The veteran guard has exploded offensively and could be the guard the Jayhawks need.

2. Houston

Last week: 2

This week: vs. Jackson State (Saturday)

What to know: The Cougars sat atop the initial NCAA NET Rankings this week. So, why Kansas over Houston? Strength of schedule. Kansas is playing fellow blueboods. Houston’s best win came last week over Xavier.

3. Baylor

Last week: 3

This week: Off

What to know: The Bears are high flying and fun. They also get 11 days off before their schedule beefs up with Michigan State and Duke at neutral sites.

More: OU's Javian McCollum looked 'like Allen Iverson' in win over Providence

4. Oklahoma

Last week: 5

This week: vs. Arkansas in Tulsa (Saturday)

What to know: Things are going so well for Porter Moser and his Sooners right now that Siena transfer Javian McCollum is being compared to Allen Iverson by an opposing coach. And the winning has brought life to Lloyd Noble Center.

5. BYU

Last week: 6

This week: at Utah (Saturday); vs. Denver (Wednesday)

What to know: BYU ended the week ranked atop the NCAA NET Rankings. A powerful offense and stingy defense is a big reason why. But the Cougars have yet to play a road game. That certainly helps.

6. Texas

Last week: 4

This week: vs. Houston Christian (Saturday)

What to know: The Longhorns became the latest victim to Shaka Smart’s Big 12 Revenge Tour at Marquette, with the former Texas coach leading the way to a rout in Milwaukee. It’s Texas’ second loss against a ranked opponent in as many games. On a bright note, Max Abmas is doing Max Abmas things.

7. Kansas State

Last week: 7

This week: at LSU (Saturday)

What to know: Does North Texas transfer Tylor Perry remind you of anybody? He should. There’s a lot of former Kansas State star Markquis Nowell in the point guard. For instance, watch Perry’s step-back 3 to top Villanova in overtime.

8. TCU

Last week: 8

This week: vs. Clemson in Toronto (Saturday)

What to know: Finally tested, the Horned Frogs got the benefit of a missed call that could have overturned a game-winning shot. It certainly pays to have a little luck in a long season.

9. Iowa State

Last week: 9

This week: vs. Prairie View A&M (Sunday)

What to know: The big Cy-Hawk rout was not only Iowa State’s best win of the season, it built all sorts of momentum with four low-major opponents ahead.

10. Texas Tech

Last week: 10

This week: vs. Oral Roberts (Tuesday)

What to know: if the Red Raiders can avoid the Big East the rest of the season, they might be in great shape. Texas Tech is winless in two games against the deep conference.

11. Cincinnati

Last week: 11

This week: at Xavier (Saturday); vs. Bryant (Tuesday)

What to know: Cincinnati was not part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle in its first season in the conference. But the Bearcats still play cross-town rival Xavier for all of the chili anyway.

12. UCF

Last week: 12

This week: vs. Ole Miss (Sunday)

What to know: Johnny Dawkins might technically be on the hot seat. But not in December. So far, the Knights are 35-11 in the month during his tenure.

More: Oklahoma State basketball comeback falls short against Southern Illinois

13. Oklahoma State

Last week: 13

This week: vs. Tulsa in Oklahoma City (Sunday)

What to know: Mike Boynton opted to go young with the roster this season. The result? A somewhat improved offensive team and a bad defensive team. It’s tough to see for a coach who has led some dominant defensive teams the past few seasons. It’s also why the Cowboys have lost four games by a combined 11 points.

14. West Virginia

Last week: 14

This week: vs. Drexel (Saturday)

What to know: The Mountaineers’ offense has mostly been dreadful, which explains a lot for a team struggling to find consistency.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Big 12 basketball power rankings: Conference shows might vs. Big East