After the Sooners, who were without the services of Longar Longar, dropped both their games this week, the Big XII is getting very top heavy. Kansas and Kansas State stand at the top with just a single loss. Kansas does get K State later this year in Lawrence, though. Texas remained just a game back with two crucial road wins, and the Aggies have now won five straight conference games after dropping three straight previously. If the season ended today, Kansas along with Texas, Kansas State, Baylor, and A&M would all pick up bids. OU is back firmly on the bubble.
Kansas 8-1 (Last Week 2-0) KU somehow managed to score 100 points in 40 minutes against Baylor without hitting a single three-pointer. Yikes. The Jayhawks are #1 in Pomeroy’s ratings overall, #1 in adjusted offensive efficiency, and #2 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Wow! Memphis may be undefeated, but Kansas is the best team in the country, in my opinion.
Week Ahead: at Texas on Monday and vs. Colorado Saturday
Kansas State 7-1 (Last Week 2-0) The Wildcats are really playing well right now. Michael Beasley is consistently going for 20+ pts and 10+ rebounds and will be Big XII Player of the Year. With a favorable schedule the rest of the way, 14-2 is not out of the question.
Week Ahead: at Texas Tech on Wednesday and vs. Missouri on Saturday
Texas 6-2 (Last Week 2-0) Thankfully, ugly wins count just the same as pretty ones. Texas swept their two road games but still faces a formidable stretch ahead. Remember a loss on Monday night is not fatal but following it with another on Saturday would really hurt.
Week Ahead: vs. Kansas on Monday and at Baylor on Saturday
Texas A&M 6-3 (Last week 2-0) Kansas is the best team in the league, but A&M is the hottest. The Aggies get a week of rest before a home game on Saturday and then a quick turnaround for a Monday night game in Austin. A lot of pundits wrote this team off way too quickly.
Week Ahead: vs. Oklahoma State on Saturday
Baylor 5-3 (Last Week 1-1) Another solid road effort came up short for the Bears in Lawrence. However, the Bears are definitely one of the top five teams in the conference. The draw two tough games ahead this week. At least 1-1 will keep them headed towards 9-7 and the NCAA tournament.
Week Ahead: at Oklahoma State on Wednesday and vs. Texas on Saturday
Oklahoma 3-5 (Last Week 0-2) OU has now lost three straight games and appear headed in the wrong direction as Longar^2 sits injured on the bench. Jeff Capel’s club does own non-conference wins over Arkansas, Gonzaga, and West Virginia but still must get to 8-8 at least to feel safe come Selection Sunday. Sweeping this week’s games will go a long way toward achieving that mark.
Week Ahead: vs. Iowa State on Wednesday and at Texas Tech on Saturday
Texas Tech 3-5 (Last Week 0-2) What a week in Lubbock? Robert Montgomery out the door and Pat now sits at the head of the bench. The Red Raiders continued their road woes this past week but are now headed home for two, tough games this week. Good luck, Pat.
Week Ahead: vs. Kansas State on Wednesday and vs. Oklahoma on Saturday
Nebraska 3-5 (Last Week 1-1) As mentioned last week, the Huskers could reach 5-5 with two wins this week.
Week Ahead: vs. Missouri on Wednesday and at Iowa State on Saturday
Missouri 3-6 (Last Week 0-2) The wheels are off Mike Anderson’s club. Their point guard was arrested on Saturday and the Tigers have now dropped three of their last four. Two road losses will slam the door on this team.
Week Ahead: at Nebraska on Wednesday and at Kansas State on Saturday
Iowa State 3-6 (Last Week 0-2) The Hilton Magic failed in the 2nd half on Saturday and the Horns escaped with a win. While it was a good effort by the Cyclones, they are not a good team.
Week Ahead: at Oklahoma on Wednesday and vs. Nebraska on Saturday
Oklahoma State 2-7 (Last Week 1-1) OSU finally got a W on Wednesday over Colorado, but it wasn't easy. The Cowboys have played so poorly this year that somewhere bookies are considering favoring the Bears in Stillwater.
Week Ahead: vs. Baylor on Wednesday and at Texas A&M on Saturday
Colorado 2-7 (Last Week 1-1) The Buffs drew OU at just the right time and got their first victory in nearly a month.
Week Ahead: at Kansas on Saturday
--AW--