16. Utah Utes (9-11, 1-6 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 16
With only a single conference win, Utah is struggling through a historically poor season. The team has a decent offense with several key scorers but its weak defense has proven to be its Achilles' heel. The Utes will continue their challenging stretch hosting Oklahoma State on Saturday and Arizona State on Wednesday.
15. Kansas State Wildcats (10-10, 1-6 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 15
Coming off a tough rival loss to Kansas, morale is low for Kansas State. The team has failed to find consistency and has racked up losses as a result. The Wildcats will host Iowa State on Sunday before heading to TCU on Saturday.
14. Baylor Bears (11-8, 1-6 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 14
Since starting conference play, Baylor's performance has taken a hit. The team went from having a nationally ranked offense to its current three game losing streak. The Bears will attempt to break the streak against Cincinnati on Wednesday and West Virginia on Saturday.
13. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-10, 2-5 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 9
A testament to their inconsistency, Cincinnati has gone from notable back-to-back wins to cosecutive losses. The team has proved its ability to compete but can't seem to find stability as a team. The Bearcats will host Baylor on Wednesday before facing Houston on Saturday.
12. Arizona State Sun Devils (11-9, 2-5 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 13
After breaking a three game losing streak and Coach Bobby Hurley's belief he and the team are "failing," Arizona State's Big 12 future is up in the air. The team's offensive strength helps but is combatted by recurring defensive issues. The team will host rival Arizona on Saturday before playing Utah on Wednesday.
11. Colorado Buffaloes ( 12-8, 2-5 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 11
After starting conference play with back-to-back wins, Colorado has found itself in a sour five game losing streak. The team showed initial promise but has proven to fall to defensive struggles. The Buffaloes will attempt to regroup against Iowa State on Thursday and host TCU on Sunday.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys (14-6, 2-5 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 10
Coming off of two close losses, Oklahoma State's identity in the Big 12 is unstable. The team has a number of consistent scorers but sets themselves back by underperforming in the first half of games. The Cowboys will play Utah on Saturday before hosting BYU on Wednesday.
9. TCU Horned Frogs (13-7, 3-4 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 12
After snapping a four game losing streak, TCU is proving itself as a true conference contender. The team has shown its offensive power and roster depth as they've secured two consecutive wins. The Horned Frogs will try to carry this momentum as they host Houston on Wednesday and play Colorado on Sunday.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers (13-7, 4-3 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 7
Despite a tough loss to Arizona, West Virginia is battling in the Big 12. The team is undefeated at home but seems to struggle to secure wins on the road. The Mountaineers will host Baylor on Saturday and host Cincinnati on Thursday.
7. UCF Knights (15-4, 4-3 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 8
After competing against some of the best on the conference, UCF has proved its ability to bounce back. The team's balanced offense provides them with a good base but adjustments are neccesary of the team wants to be a Big 12 standout. The Knights will host Texas Tech on Saturday before taking on Houston on Wednesday.
6. Kansas Jayhawks (15-5, 5-2 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 6
Coming back from a slow conference start, Kansas is making a name for itself in the Big 12. The team seems to have found a rhythm with strong scoring and impressive road performance. The Jayhawks will aim for some more wins as they host BYU on Saturday and travel to Texas Tech on Monday.
5. BYU Cougars (17-3, 5-2 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 4
Despite losing to Arizona, the three point loss proved BYU's ability to compete with top-tier teams. The team's offense is stronger than ever, helping them secure wins amidst injuries. The Cougars will take on Kansas on Saturday and Oklahoma State on Wednesday.
4. Iowa State Cyclones (18-2, 5-2 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 5
Matching back-to-back losses with back-to-back wins, Iowa State is rising to the top. The team's stellar defense and standout scorers holds opponents and secures wins. The Cyclones will host Colorado on Thursday before playing Kansas State on Sunday.
3. Houston Cougars (17-2, 5-1 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 2
Besides a close Big 12 loss to Texas Tech, Houston is dominating in conference play. The team's combination of returning star players and fresh talent has created an elite lineup. The Cougars will face TCU on Wednesday and host Cincinnati on Saturday.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-4, 6-1 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 3
With five consecutive wins under its belt, Texas Tech is a top contender in the Big 12. The team's mental drive and physical performance have put them at the top of both conference and national rankings. The Red Raiders will play UCF on Saturday and host Kansas on Monday.
1. Arizona Wildcats (21-0, 8-0 Big 12)
Last week's rank: 1
Continuing to hold the top spot, Arizona is a dominant force in college basketball. The team had a scare against BYU, winning by only three points, but has otherwise proved its status. The Wildcats will face rival Arizona State this Saturday before hosting Oklahoma State the following Saturday.