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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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Christian James #0 of the Oklahoma Sooners goes up for a basket against Andre Berry #34 of the Rhode Island Rams during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Christian James #0 of the Oklahoma Sooners goes up for a basket against Andre Berry #34 of the Rhode Island Rams during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

8. Oklahoma Sooners (6-1)

Previous ranking: 9

The Sooners had a very successful trip to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis, getting a pair of quality wins that’ll serve well for any at-large hopes. In the opening round game, Oklahoma defeated Florida by five points. And although they got trounced by 20 points to Wisconsin, the team beat a solid Dayton program in the 3rd place game.

Once again, the Sooners were led by senior Christian James in the Battle 4 Atlantis, averaging around 20 ppg in the event. He’s been great to start the season, providing a clear go-to guy for the team to build upon. And although James is the lone double-digit scorer on the team currently, four others are averaging between 8.9-9.9 ppg.

Oklahoma right now is averaging 73.4 ppg, 10 points less than last season’s scoring output. But they’re making it up on the defensive end, giving up just 65.1 ppg. That’s nearly a 20-point swing from a year ago, a clear weakness on their end.

The Sooners don’t foul and give up just 38% from inside the arc, good for an incredible 3rd in the country. Big men Brady Manek and Jamuni McNeace have been huge improvements on the defensive end and it’s allowed the team to win a couple of games they weren’t expected to.

There was some talk that Oklahoma would be the clear worst team in the Big 12, yet their early season performance has proven otherwise. A tough slate awaits with Notre Dame, Wichita State, and USC but all could very well be wins thanks to the defensive efforts of the team.

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