Busting Brackets
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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Kansas still top team entering conference play?

By Jason Kinander

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - DECEMBER 18: Lagerald Vick #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a basket against the South Dakota Coyotes in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse on December 18, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - DECEMBER 18: Lagerald Vick #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a basket against the South Dakota Coyotes in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse on December 18, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 20: Norense Odiase #32 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders stares down Javin DeLaurier #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the game at the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 20: Norense Odiase #32 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders stares down Javin DeLaurier #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the game at the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2. Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1)

Previous Ranking: 2

Texas Tech couldn’t pull off an upset win over Duke a couple of weeks ago, but the loss certainly didn’t hurt their stock at all.

The Red Raiders stuck with the Blue Devils up until the final minutes of the game, and showed every bit of the sharp shooting and defensive potential that has gotten them this far in non-conference play.

Texas Tech is ranked #11, and are a serious threat to Kansas at the top of the Big 12. Sophomore guard Jarrett Culver has emerged as a superstar, leading the Red Raiders in scoring, while Matt Mooney, a transfer from North Dakota, has been a major contributor as well.

Texas Tech has a fairly easy January schedule, as they won’t face Kansas until February 2nd. The Red Raiders have emerged as a national contender, and will look to continue their early season success through conference play.

Texas Tech’s well-rounded attack, as well as their efficient mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen has been their calling card, and has gotten them to their 11-1 start.

Even though they were expected to fall off considerably due to multiple losses from last season, the Red Raiders haven’t missed a beat in 2018, and are one of Kansas’ biggest threats in recent memory.

It’s obviously much easier said than done, but Texas Tech has a real shot at overtaking Kansas as the top team in the Big 12 by the time it’s all said and done in March.

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