Big 12 basketball Power Rankings: Kansas State moving up, Jayhawks fall

Two weeks into conference play and the Big 12 is out of control. The most competitive conference is proving why it is elite. Here are this week's Big 12 Power Rankings.

Jan 20, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard John-Michael Wright (51) tries to swat the ball away from Wildcat guard Tylor Perry (2). / Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

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. . . . Big 12 power rankings. 463. . 14-4, 4-1 Big 12. . 2

This is a beautiful thing to see for all the Kansas State fans here. Jerome Tang is doing something special in Manhattan. The Wildcats seem to start games slowly, but they are never out of games. Their strong defensive play and ability to shoot the ball well when it matters is what separates this team from others.

Coming off the tough loss to Texas Tech, the Wildcats needed a big win over No. 9 Baylor and that is exactly what they got. They played strong defense, holding the Bears to a low shooting percentage behind the arc. Tang moved to 10-0 in overtime games at Kansas State showing that the Wildcats are a team that can fight to the end.

In their game against Oklahoma State, the Wildcats struggled early. This was easily a trap game for the Wildcats that they almost fell into. Trailing for the majority of the game, the Wildcats came back in the end to beat the Cowboys and stay on top of the conference, tied with Texas Tech.

The Wildcats going forward hit the road against Iowa State and Houston. These would be two statement wins against good teams on their home court. This will be a big test for a young team that could send them to the top of the rankings, or tumbling down.

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