Big 12 Basketball power rankings: Kansas State soars, Texas Tech falters

8. Oklahoma State Cowboys – 9-5 (1-1)

As arguably the lone Big 12 Basketball team that didn’t have a non-conference that build an at-large resume, the pressure was on the Cowboys to make things happen in league play. And they had a tremendous opportunity out the gate, taking on the Kansas Jayhawks.

OK State was up by as many as 15 points on the road in the first half but unfortunately, couldn’t hold the lead. They ultimately lost the game in the final seconds, 69-67. Bryce Thompson, who was facing his former team, had a game-high 23 points, making 7/10 from three-point range. Guard John-Michael Wright had a great game as well, going for 19 points with four made shots from deep.

The Cowboys were able to rebound from that tough loss on Monday, beating West Virginia. The final score was 67-60, with four starters in double figures in a balanced effort. Thompson led the way statistically with 15 points.

The next game for Oklahoma State is at home against what should be a motivated Texas squad that just gave up over 100 points to Kansas State. If you’re going to be competitive in the Big 12, you’ll have to win as many at home as possible, even against top-10 caliber teams.