Big 12 basketball power rankings: Caleb Love, Arizona making statement with hot streak

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Maybe it was too soon to count out Arizona.

The Wildcats, a preseason darkhorse for the Big 12, were mostly a mess in non-conference play. But in their new conference? Hoo boy.

Superstar Caleb Love looks like himself again, though he hasn’t lit up the scoreboard the past week.

He really hasn’t had to.

Arizona is playing tough defense. It shut down a red-hot West Virginia in a revenge game (the Wildcats lost to WVU in the Battle 4 Atlantis).

And now the Wildcats sit atop the Big 12 with a perfect 3-0 record, one of three undefeated teams in conference play.

Which is exactly why they are the biggest climber in this week’s power rankings.

1. Iowa State

Last week: 1

This week: at Texas Tech (Saturday); vs. Kansas (Wednesday)

What to know: The Cyclones have one of the best defenses in the country — Baylor can provide references — and that’s what makes them go. But what if I told you their offense ranks better nationally than their defense on KenPom.com’s efficiency ratings? Scary.

Iowa State basketball: Jones, Lipsey tie season-high points in Cyclones’ win vs. Utah

2. Houston

Last week: 2

This week: at Kansas State (Saturday); vs. West Virginia (Wednesday)

What to know: Speaking of defense, the Cougars’ is rated No. 2 in the country by KenPom.com They just held three straight Big 12 opponents to an average of 49.3 points to open conference play.

3. Arizona

Last week: 7

This week: vs. UCF (Saturday); vs. Baylor (Tuesday)

What to know: The Wildcats are suddenly red hot and look like the team many expected. And they won twice on the road last week. That doesn’t happen often in the Big 12.

Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) celebrates with coaches after defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia on Jan. 7, 2025.

4. West Virginia

Last week: 3

This week: at Colorado (Sunday); at Houston (Wednesday)

What to know: Javon Small is human after all. Well, at least when he plays Arizona. He’s made just 8 of 26 shots against the Wildcats in two…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-basketball-power-rankings-173747477.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2025-01-09 17:37:00

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