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

5. Iowa State Cyclones – 11-2 (2-0)

When Iowa State got blown out by an Iowa team without Kris Murray, it felt as if we’d seen the best of them this season. That clearly isn’t the case, having an incredibly good past week. Last Saturday, the Cyclones were able to run past Baylor in the second half for the 77-62 home win.

The backcourt for Iowa State dominated their peers on the other side, with Gabe Kalscheur going for 23 points, while Caleb Grill had 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Both of them had five made three-pointers as well. The defense also held the Bears to just 38% shooting from the field and 5/22 from deep.

The Cyclones followed that up with a road win at Oklahoma, 63-60. Grill once again led the way with 20 points, with another five three-pointers made. Jaren Holmes and Osun Osunniyi each were in double figures while holding the Sooners’ best player (Grant Sherfield) to just four points on the night.

Iowa State looks to continue its impressive start to league play, taking on TCU on the road this weekend, before going back home to take on Texas Tech. With Kansas and Texas right behind them, it’s important to at least split the next week.