Big 12 Basketball power pankings: Texas Tech rises, Baylor stays on top

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

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Guard Kyler Edwards #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the second half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

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Big 12 Basketball West Virginia Mountaineers Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

469. . 13-5 (6-3). Previous: 7th. Mountaineers . 4. team

Previous games: 76-72 win over Iowa State. 91-79 win over Kansas

Next games: Tuesday at. Texas Tech, Saturday vs. Oklahoma

The Mountaineers built a comfortable lead heading into the half, scoring 42 points and rebounding very well. That changed in the second half as free throws late were needed from the Mountaineers to escape Ames.

Taz Sherman led the way with 18 points on an efficient 5-7 from the field and 7-8 from the free throw line. West Virginia has adjusted very well, since losing Oscar Tshiebwe to Kentucky. However, Derek Culver will have to become more consistent. He was in this game, finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Miles McBride and Sherman put up All-Big 12 type numbers by combining for 54 points in the Mountaineers win over Kansas. Even with the non-factor of the bench, the Mountaineers scored in bunches, at all three levels of the floor.

The impressive performance against the Jayhawks moves the Mountaineers into second in the Big 12 standings, and the highest riser in the power rankings.

If the Mountaineers can do that consistently, will be the only way they can keep up with Baylor. West Virginia has the best shot, being three games back of the Bears. However, they still have two head to heads in a couple of weeks. Quite possibly, the toughest stretch for each team for the remainder of the season.

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