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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Texas Tech beats out Kansas for No. 1

By Jason Kinander

<> at United Spirit Arena on January 8, 2019 in Lubbock, Texas.
<> at United Spirit Arena on January 8, 2019 in Lubbock, Texas. /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks with Jarrett Culver #23 at a time out during the second half of the game on January 8, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 66-59. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks with Jarrett Culver #23 at a time out during the second half of the game on January 8, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 66-59. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders (14-1, 4-0 Conference Play)

Previous Ranking: No. 2

Has any team done a better job of exceeding expectations than Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders are the only unbeaten team remaining in conference play, and have done everything possible to inch up the Top-25 rankings. Their only loss is a road loss to Duke, and they don’t play Kansas until February 2nd.

Things are going really, really well for the Red Raiders.

Jarrett Culver has played unbelievably well, and is the frontrunner to win the Big 12 Player of the Year. Culver has shot up most NBA draft big boards, and has emerged as one of the top players in the country this season.

Matt Mooney has done a great job of filling in the secondary scoring role, as the senior transfer from North Dakota is looking like a really good add for Chris Beard.

Speaking of Chris Beard, is there any other coach more deserving of winning National coach of the year? I don’t think so. Despite losing Zhaire Smith and Keenan Evans, the Red Raiders are looking at a potential top-5 ranking, and are now the favorites to win the Big 12.

Texas Tech is for real folks. They could storm into February with just one loss, heading into a potential game of the year matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Next. Biggest takeaways from last week. dark

Yeah, its been a pretty incredible first two weeks of Big 12 Conference Play. The drama will only heat up in coming weeks, but now that Kansas has been dethroned as the top team, the league could be wide open. The Big 12 is as exciting as anyone could’ve expected, and if these first two weeks indicate anything, it is going to be a fun, fun season in the Big 12.

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