Busting Brackets
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Big 12 Basketball power rankings: Texas Tech emerges as big threat to Kansas

By Tristan Freeman

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after dunking the basket during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after dunking the basket during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Cameron McGriff #12 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys attempts a shot during the game at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Cameron McGriff #12 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys attempts a shot during the game at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

9. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-3)

Previous ranking: 10

The Cowboys had a tough stretch in the last two weeks, participating in the Advocare Invitational. They waxed the Memphis Tigers before getting waxed themselves by the reigning national champions Villanova Wildcats.

But Oklahoma State was able to pull off the team’s biggest win of the season, a 90-77 victory over the then No. 19 ranked program LSU Tigers. Cameron McGriff led the way with a game-high 28 points, with Lindy Waters contributing with 16 on 5/7 shooting.

It was the best game of the season for the junior forward, who’s scored in double figures in every game of the early year. McGriff is averaging a team-leading 16.1 ppg and 6.9 rpg on 43.5% shooting (39% from deep) while playing over 32 mpg. How he plays has a huge effect on Oklahoma State’s chances of winning a particular game. He struggled in the last game at Minnesota, which resulted in an 83-76 loss.

Like Baylor, the Cowboys appear to be back near full strength. USC Upstate grad transfer Mike Cunningham has been back the last four games after dealing with a leg injury, averaging 10.5 ppg in 19 mpg off the bench. He and fellow transfer Micheal Weathers gives the team a big punch off the bench offensively.

One question that’ll have to be answered this month is whether or not Oklahoma State can continue the team’s hot three-point shooting. The Cowboys are 8th in the country at 44% from long distance, thanks to Thomas Dzigawa‘s 55% on over six attempts per game. If these numbers take a tumble, the losses may pile up.

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