Around the Rim, Big 12

The Big 12 has been anything but respectable so far this college basketball season. Oklahoma has played this biggest game of the season so far after losing to #4 Villanova. There have been more upsets this season than surprises as Kansas, Oklahoma Sate, Missouri and Texas Tech have all lost home games to teams they had no business losing to. The Jayhawks and Tigers both have losing records and Big 12 teams have lost to teams the likes of Sam Houston State, San Francisco and Northwestern State.

As of now it’s the Big 2 and the other guys as Oklahoma and Texas are the only two ranked teams, at least they are both top 10.

Last Week’s Big 12 Scores
Mon., Dec. 5
Northwestern State 68, Oklahoma State 64
Iowa State 89, Drake 74
Kansas State 89, Longwood 60
Texas 85, Rice 58

Tue., Dec. 6
Saint Joseph's 70, Kansas 67
Texas A&M 72, North Texas 70

Wed., Dec. 7
Davidson 82, Missouri 73
Louisiana Tech 68, Texas Tech 53
Kansas State 71, Colorado State 67
Colorado 76, Utah 52

Thu., Dec. 8
Nebraska 76, South Dakota State 67

Big 12 Power Rankings
How I rank the teams based on who I think would beat who on a neutral floor. Look for Baylor to stay at #12 all season.
1. Texas 8-0
2. Oklahoma 4-1
3. Texas A&M 5-0
4. Kansas State 6-1
5. Colorado 5-1
6. Nebraska 6-1
7. OSU 6-2
8. Iowa State 5-2
9. Texas Tech 5-4
10. Kansas 3-4
11. Missouri 2-3
12. Baylor 0-0

Looking Ahead
Game of the Week
#2 Texas @ #1 Duke – Saturday
For as bad as the Big 12 has been Texas and Oklahoma deserve kudos for scheduling some big games early. Both teams have West Virginia and Villanova on their schedules and Texas travels to Duke. Look for these games to pay off for the Longhorns and the Sooners when conference play begins.

This game is as good as it gets! Both teams have the big guns and sharp shooters. Duke’s chances hinge on the shooting of JJ Redick and the inside game of Sheldon Williams and Texas will look towards their front court of Lamarcus Aldridge, Brad Buckman, and PJ Tucker.

The key will be how Texas handles the hostile crown of Cameron. Should be a great game throughout, I’ll take Duke in a close win.

Statement Games
#12 Iowa @ Iowa State – Friday
The Cyclones are hoping to duplicate what their football team did to the Hawkeyes, don’t hold your breath. Look for Iowa to get their revenge and then some.

Oklahoma State @ #9 Gonzaga - Saturday
The Cowboys suffered a horrible loss Monday night against Northwestern State. JamesOn Curry is in a slump of all slumps and the Cowboys desperately need him to come out of it to have a chance to win. The Bulldogs are just to talented for this young Oklahoma State team.

Other Big 12 Games
Saturday
Kansas @ California

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi @ Missouri

UT-Pan American @ Texas Tech

Grambling State @ Texas A&M

Oklahoma State @ Gonzaga

Coppin State @ Oklahoma

Sunday
Nebraska @ Creighton