Big 12 women’s basketball power rankings: Is Kansas State making its move toward title?

The Oklahoma bench celebrates a three-point shot late in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, Jan 24, 2024. The Sooners won the game 91-87.

Is the Big 12 championship race becoming a two- or three-team competition? Kansas State hasn’t lost a conference game yet, and most of the other teams have slipped up at least twice in league play. All three of the teams within two losses of Kansas State — Oklahoma, West Virginia and Iowa State — will play Kansas State at least once more and Iowa State gets two shots at the frontrunners.

Here are the newest power rankings:

1. Kansas State (19-1, 8-0)

What to know: Kansas State is passing the vibes check. Following the news that Ayoka Lee will miss four weeks after having ankle surgery, the Wildcats beat rival Kansas and rallied past No. 13 Baylor.

2. Oklahoma (12-6, 6-1)

What to know: Following a stunning loss to Southern to close out nonconference play, Oklahoma is 6-1. Said senior Skylar Vann: “I feel like going into this conference, we’re like it’s a new time, it’s a new season.”

3. West Virginia (16-2, 5-2)

What to know: Last week, WVU posted two first-quarter shutouts and JJ Quinerly’s play earned her the Big 12 player of the week award. West Virginia gets a chance to avenge one of its losses on Saturday when it hosts Iowa State.

4. Baylor (15-3, 4-3)

What to know: Baylor had a chance to take down the wounded Wildcats, but the Bears couldn’t get it done in a 58-55 loss to Kansas State on Monday. Can Baylor make something out of its 4-3 conference record?

5. Texas (18-3, 5-3)

What to know: Texas has lost three games by a total of 13 points. But those losses to Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma could prove to be costly to UT’s hopes of defending its Big 12 championship.

6. Iowa State (12-6, 6-2)

What to…