Big 12 basketball power rankings: Can scorching Kansas State make NCAA Tournament?

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A few weeks ago, Kansas State’s season was all but over.

The Wildcats were not good in nonconference. They then lost six straight Big 12 games. Perhaps even coach Jerome Tang was on the hot seat.

Now, not so much.

There is no hotter team in America than Kansas State.

It’s won six straight games to move to 7-6 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats are on such a heater that they can go 1 for 19 from 3-point range and still beat red-hot Arizona.

Suddenly, there is hope in the Little Apple.

Is hope enough? The odds are not favorable that the Wildcats can make the NCAA Tournament.

But it’s not impossible.

For now, though, the Wildcats — this week’s biggest riser in the Big 12 power rankings — should enjoy the ride and see if they can pull off the improbable.

More: Keeping things simple has Kansas State basketball’s confidence soaring

Last week: 2

This week: at Arizona (Saturday); at Arizona State (Tuesday)

What to know: The Cougars remain the class of the conference. They’ve won at least 20 games for now 10 straight seasons. And they are arguably the best defensive team in the country.

Last week: 3

This week: vs. Houston (Saturday); at Baylor (Monday)

What to know: Lost in the disastrous shooting night Arizona had in a loss at Kansas State — 2 of 22 from 3-point range; yuck — was the real issue for the red-hot team: the absence of forward Trey Townsend, who missed his second straight game with a concussion.

More: Red Raiders survive Sun Devils in 2OT

Last week: 1

This week: at Oklahoma State (Saturday); at TCU (Tuesday)

What to know: JT Toppin had a career week despite Tech’s win streak ending. He had 61 points and 28 rebounds in two games, with a career-best 41 points and 15 rebounds coming in the wild double-overtime win against Arizona State.

Feb 12, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) shoots over Arizona State Sun Devils forward Basheer Jihad (8) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-basketball-power-rankings-174514371.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2025-02-13 17:45:00

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