The Big 12 remains the most competitive conference in the nation. Over halfway through the regular season and early in conference play, there is clear picture of who is dominating the competition and what teams need to change their game plan.
16. Utah Utes (8-8, 0-3 Big 12)
Utah showed up in its rivalry game against BYU but fell short, losing 89-84. This was the team's fourth straight loss with three of those being Big 12 matchups. Even with players like Terrence Brown and Don McHenry providing consistent scoring, the team will need stronger defense and a more consistent team performance to keep up in the Big 12. Utah will take on Texas Tech next, in hopes of a breaking its losing streak and getting its first conference win.
15. Cincinnati Bearcats (8-8, 0-3 Big 12)
Cincinnati continues their nonconference struggle into conference play. With their three Big 12 matchups so far resulting in close losses, its clear something has to change. Baba Miller leads the team with 12.7 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game but the team lacks a well-rounded offense. Cincinnati looks to take on Colorado and prove their ability to compete in the Big 12.
14. Kansas State Wildcats (9-7, 0-3 Big 12)
Kansas State has had a rough start to conference play. Losing to top teams like BYU and Arizona, the team has started 0-3 in conference play for the first time in a few seasons. Their loss to Arizona State emphasized key defensive issues and showed how even strong 22.9 points per game performances by P.J. Haggerty aren't enough to secure wins. Kansas State will attempt to bounce back against UCF and turn their season around.
13. Baylor Bears (11-5, 1-3 Big 12)
Baylor has proven to struggle in the Big 12, with 3 consecutive conference losses preceding a win against Oklahoma State. The team shows promise with high scorers like Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou, but struggles defensively. A recent loss to Houston highlighted this and showed how their lapses in defense allow for big runs. Baylor will play Kansas next, hoping to take home another win.
12. Oklahoma State Cowboys (13-4, 1-3 Big 12)
Oklahoma State has shown promise but ultimately falls short with inconsistencies resulting in key BIg 12 losses. The team's recent loss to Baylor highlighted these inconsistencies and how something as simple as missing free throws can cost the game. Anthony Roy leads the team with 17.6 points per game and has proved himself a key player. Oklahoma State will take on Kansas State, looking to regain their strength.
11. Arizona State Sun Devils (10-6, 1-2 Big 12)
Arizona State secured a win against Kansas State, earning the team its first conference win. This game showcased the depth of the team of they overcome injuries and adapt. Maurice Odum has proven himself as a well-rounded player, leading the team with 16.4 points per game and 6.4 assists per game. Arizona State has a tough rivalry matchup ahead, looking to take on the conference and nationally dominating Arizona.
10. TCU Horned Frogs (11-5, 1-2 Big 12)
TCU has faced back-to-back losses, with an especially tough close loss to Kansas in overtime. This followed by a loss to Arizona put a spotlight on where the team falls short. David Punch leads the team with 14.1 points per game, a strong offensive perfermance that is paired with a strong but less proving defense. TCU has another tough matchup ahead as they will play BYU and attempt to prove themselves in the Big 12.
9. West Virginia Mountaineers (11-6, 2-2 Big 12)
West Virginia has shown a mixed performance, with two strong conference wins followed by a tough loss to Houston. The team's key strength is its defense as offense is what lead to the 77-48 loss to Houston. Honor Huff is the leading scorer for the team with 17.5 points per game and a strong three-point presence. West Virginia will play Colorado next in an attempt to improve road performance.
8. Kansas Jayhawks (12-5, 2-2 Big 12)
Kansas had an impressive performance against Iowa State, winning 84-63 and highlighting its offensive strength. This has also been a shortcoming of the team as the offensive reliance shows a lack of consistent team play and overall defensive struggle. Players like Darryn Peterson and Tre White prove the team can score, but these individual efforts aren't enough to make up for the team's poor defensive rebounding. Kansas will face Baylor next in hopes of another win.
7. Colorado Buffaloes ( 12-4, 2-1 Big 12)
Colorado had a strong start to conference play before a tough two point loss to Texas Tech. The team has proven itself to compete in the Big 12 but has consistent issues with turnovers. Players like Isaiah Johnson and Sebastian Rancik are significant contributors and help make up for the team's shortcomings. Colorado will play Cincinnati and attempt to find its footing.
6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-4, 2-1 Big 12)
Texas Tech has gone back-and-forth with their Big 12 performance, with a close 69-65 loss to Houston and a close 73-71 win against Colorado. The team is offensively strong and thrives with its aggressive, fast-paced play. JT Toppin leads the team in this offense with 20.6 points per game. Texas Tech will take on Utah next, looking to secure another win.
5. UCF Knights (13-2, 2-1 Big 12)
UCF has become an unexpected contender on conference play, with a win against Kansas and a close 73-72 win against Cincinnati. The team has shown strong bench play as team depth is a large contributor to their success. Riley Kugel leads the team with 14.5 points per game and impressive performance overall. UCF will play Kansas State and look to continue their momentum.
4. Iowa State Cyclones (16-1, 3-1 Big 12)
Iowa State had a perfect record and despite the recent loss to Kansas, ais a strong contender in the Big 12. The team has secured major nonconference and conference wins and has a notably high-powered offense. Joshua Jefferson leads the team with 17.7 points per game. Iowa State will face Cincinnati next in hopes of redeeming themselves from their recent loss.
3. BYU Cougars (15-1, 3-0 Big 12)
BYU has remained undefeated in the Big 12, with the most recent win being 89-84 against rival Utah. The team has a dynamic offense with strong rebounding and assist numbers. Players like AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders are standouts and key contributors in the team's average of nearly 88 points per game. BYU will TCU and looks to continue their undefeated streak.
2. Houston Cougars (16-1, 4-0 Big 12)
Houston has shown impressive performances with elite defense and consistent offense giving them an undefeated conference record. The team has proven themselves to be getting better with each game as both individual and overall performance steadily improves. Emanuel Sharp leads the team with 16.1 points per game as the team averages about 77 points per game. Houston will take on Arizona State in hopes of another win.
1. Arizona Wildcats (16-0, 3-0 Big 12)
Arizona has set a standard of excellence in both the Big 12 and on a national level. The team is undefeated overall and has proven itself offensively and defensively dominant. Koa Peat leads the team with 14.8 points per game and is an overall star player. Arizona will face rival Arizona State in a game of high stakes.
With plenty of time left in the season and top contenders, the Big 12 is any team's game.