Big 12 Basketball power pankings: Texas Tech rises as Baylor looks to run the table

Big 12 Basketball has officially become “Baylor vs. the field”.  The Longhorns fell twice during the week, giving the Bears a 3 1/2 game lead over the second-place team.

One team becomes the second best, a sophomore is playing at an All-Big 12 caliber level and a double-overtime game, where a team doesn’t score.

Here’s a look at the Big 12 Power Rankings, heading into the second week of February.

Previous games: 72-76 loss to West Virginia, 72-79 loss to Oklahoma

Next games: Tuesday at. TCU, Thursday at. Kansas, Saturday vs. Kansas

The Cyclones are coming off their most impressive performance in a close loss against West Virginia. The offense had its best output of the season, compared to the competition. The Cyclones had four players in double figures, including three separate 15 point performances.

Memphis transfer Tyler Harris made five three-pointers and Rasir Bolton filled up the stat sheet with 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. After trimming the West Virginia lead to just one in the final two minutes of the game, Iowa State’s offense went cold and could not take advantage.

West Virginia shot just 36 percent from beyond the arc and Iowa State forced 16 turnovers in the contest.

The Cyclones once again gave another fantastic effort against a team that is much better, in Oklahoma. It was a back and forth affair throughout the first half, led by runs from each side.

The Cyclones got a two-point lead, deep into the second half. However, Oklahoma would make a run and shut it down. Iowa State was once again, lifted on offense by Bolton. His 21 points and seven rebounds were a big part of the Cyclones’ success. They also shot very well, hitting 16 of their 31 shots.

Even with the valiant effort, close losses do not equal improvements in the rankings.