Big 12 Basketball power rankings: How far will West Virginia fall?

4. West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia is 14-3 this season (3-2 in conference play) largely due to their defensive prowess.

That prowess has led them to major wins over Wichita State, Ohio State, and Texas Tech.

They are ranked 4th in the nation in opponent field goal percentage, allowing their opponents to shoot just 36.2% from the field. They also rank 9th in NET rankings.

So why do I have them ranked fourth in my conference rankings? Their lack of offense is worrisome, as their leading scorer is Oscar Tshiebwe with just 11.6 a game, with just two other players averaging double digits a game with 10.6 from Derek Culver, and 10.2 from Miles McBride. That lack of offensive production I fear will hurt them in conference play, and in the tournament.

They play Texas and Missouri this week. I have them losing to Texas today, and beating Missouri on Wednesday.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech comes in at 3rd in my conference rankings with a 12-5 record (3-2 in conference play).

Texas Tech’s key losses this season include games against Iowa, Creighton, Depaul, Baylor, and West Virginia. Their key win so far this season is against Louisville, a game they won after their three-game losing skid to Iowa, Creighton, and Depaul. After those three games, the Red Raiders have gone 7-2 with their two losses being to Baylor (at home) and West Virginia (on the road)

I believe Tech will come away with more notable wins in conference play, and potentially one against an SEC foe this week as Texas Tech plays TCU tomorrow, and Kentucky on Saturday.

My Prediction: Texas Tech beats both teams to climb up the polls and conference standings.