3. Iowa State (12-1)
We’ll talk more about both the past and future but right now you can certainly saw that Iowa State should be the favorite to win the Big 12. This team used elite defense to march to last year’s Sweet Sixteen but are even more of a complete package this season. The Cyclones are getting contributions up and down the roster and got off to a great start in league play this week.
They survived the first road test on Monday, winning 79-69 against Colorado in their first game after Christmas. Curtis Jones actually led the charge with 20 points off the bench while Keshon Gilbert added 14 points as well. Iowa State had an even more demonstrative effort this weekend, winning 74-55 at home over Baylor. The Cyclones got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Gilbert and continued to defend their immense homecourt advantage.
The only blemish on Iowa State’s resume is a 2-point loss in Maui to an Auburn team many consider the best in the nation. The Cyclones are doing it all, making big plays on defense while doing more than enough on the other end to get these wins. This team has now won nine games in a row, beating teams like Dayton, Iowa, and Marquette along the way, though Big 12 road games are coming and they won’t be easy for anyone, including next weekend at Texas Tech.