Houston takes over top spot from Kansas as Big 12 play opens

There’s a new look to the Big 12 with conference play.

Starting with Houston, there is perhaps a new top dog in the conference. A new program to challenge the likes of Kansas, Baylor, Texas and others this season.

But don’t overlook BYU and Cincinnati.

The trio — sorry, UCF — provided plenty of entertainment in their Big 12 openers. And that’s why there is a lot of shakeup in this week’s power rankings.

Starting with a new No. 1.

Let’s get to the rankings.

More: How OU basketball’s Javian McCollum’s ‘great decisions’ sparked Sooners past Iowa State

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson watches his team during a game against Xavier on Dec. 1 at Cintas Center in Cincinnati.

1. Houston

Last week: 2

This week: at Iowa State (Tuesday); at TCU (Saturday); vs. Texas Tech (Wednesday, Jan. 17)

What to know: Welcome to the top of the conference, Houston. Give credit to the defense, which has yet to allow a team to score 70 points. And that Big 12 opening demolition of West Virginia was certainly a statement that there is a new top dog in the conference.

2. Kansas

Last week: 1

This week: at UCF (Wednesday); vs. Oklahoma (Saturday); at Oklahoma State (Tuesday, Jan. 16)

What to know: Death, taxes and the Jayhawks winning their conference opener. They’ve won 33 straight now. So, why move them down a spot? It’s more about Houston, which is so dominant right now it cannot be ignored.

3. Oklahoma

Last week: 3

This week: at TCU (Wednesday); at Kansas (Saturday); vs. West Virginia (Wednesday, Jan. 17)

What to know: Head coach Porter Moser found a gem in Javian McCollum, a Siena transfer. Together, they’ve turned the Sooners into the surprise of the Big 12. But the biggest upset is a sell-out crowd at Lloyd Noble Center before students return and classes resume.

4. Baylor

Last week: 5

This week: vs. BYU (Tuesday); vs. Cincinnati (Saturday); at…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-power-rankings-houston-184809754.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2024-01-07 18:48:09

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.