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

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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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts during the second half against the Villanova Wildcats in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

7. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2)

Previous ranking: 7

After starting the season 1-2, West Virginia has won their last four games to get somewhat back on track. However, it still hasn’t been enough to get them ranked again, with wins against Valparaiso, Rider, and Youngstown State not being enough to move the needle.

Even though it’s just 20% of the season, it’s clear that the Mountaineers are a completely different team than year’s past under Bob Huggins. They’re ranked in the top-25 in both scoring (86.4 ppg) and rating (116.6). On the other hand, the team ranks in the lower half on defensive scoring and efficiency. That has to be concerning for a team whose yet to face a power conference opponent, yet alone a Big 12 team who tends to score a lot.

Although it’s clear that the defense needs work, the offensive production looks like it’ll last all season. It’s led by a core group of four veteran players, each scoring at least 13.4 ppg. James Bolden isn’t the defender Jevon Carter was but he’s been an admirable replacement on the other end of the court.

For forwards Esa Ahmad, Sagaba Konate, and Lamont West, they’ve all taken turns leading the team in scoring in a given game. Each has already had a 26+ point outing and on any night can go off for West Virginia. That bodes well in case any of the others struggle for a game. But the defense will have to improve for the Mountaineers to rise in the rankings, making this week’s games versus Florida and Pittsburgh all the more important.

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