Big 12 Basketball: Power Rankings in the home stretch

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders, 15-9, 5-7 Big 12

If you’re looking for one reason for the Red Raiders surge back into the NCAA Tournament picture, look no further than junior forward Aaron Ross.

After averaging just over 8 points per game on just over 18 minutes per game for the first 20 games of the season, Ross is averaging almost 34 minutes per game and just under 17 points per game since the calendar turned to February.

This offensive surge by Ross has been led by his three-point shooting. He took just 16 threes in Tech’s 12 non-conference games, but he’s jacking up almost 4 per game in conference play, and is shooting 45% from out there in February. He is leading the team in scoring in Big 12 play (all stats via sports-reference.com).

Ross has had a difficult journey through college basketball, as upon his commitment to Arkansas in 2011 he was declared ineligible, and decided to play at a junior college, until Texas Tech eventually came calling. Then upon his arrival at Texas Tech in 2012, he tore a ligament in his knee, which he then re-injured last season. When Norense Odiase broke his foot last month, it was finally Ross’ time to shine, and now that he’s fully healthy, he’s taking advantage of the opportunity.

Next: Number 6