Attention is heavily focused on the SEC in college basketball, and this is well-deserved. Yet, the Big 12 has a pairing of teams that stands out in dominance.
Currently, Houston is riding an impressive streak of 11 consecutive victories, with 10 of those wins coming by double-digit margins, resulting in a 15-3 record (7-0 in Big 12 play).
Close behind in the conference rankings is Iowa State, boasting a 16-2 record (6-1) and having achieved five wins by ten or more points against conference rivals.
Houston’s success comes from a strategy that emphasizes a slow tempo and a punishing defense.
Meanwhile, Iowa State has experienced an offensive transformation this season, ranking 10th in KenPom’s offensive efficiency after previously never finishing higher than 50th during coach T.J. Otzelberger’s initial three years.
Iowa State has emerged as a high-scoring team, averaging 85.1 points per game and increasing their scoring by approximately ten points per game compared to last season.
While their defense remains a concern for opponents, they now pose a threat with their newfound offensive prowess.
As college basketball approaches a pivotal weekend, grades have been assigned to the top 15 teams that competed this week.
The following teams had a week off: No. 1 Auburn, No. 2 Duke, No. 8 Michigan State, No. 9 Kentucky, and No. 10 Marquette.
No. 3 Iowa State
Result: 108-83 victory against UCF
Against UCF, Iowa State delivered an impressive performance, shooting 56.3% and scoring 54 points in each half, marking their highest point total in a league game since 2001.
Excluding overtime matches, this was the Cyclones’ best-scoring conference game since 1995. Although T.J. Otzelberger’s previous teams have been known for their defensive capabilities, this year’s squad is proving they can compete offensively as well. Grade: A
No. 4 Alabama
Result: 103-87 victory against Vanderbilt
Alabama celebrated its 27th occasion scoring 100 points under coach Nate Oats while fending off a determined Vanderbilt squad that battled fiercely in the second half.
The depth of Alabama’s roster shone through, with Aden Holloway and Mouhamed Dioubate each contributing 22 points, highlighting the team’s multifaceted offensive strategies. Grade: A-
No. 5 Florida
Result: 70-69 victory at South Carolina
Florida’s first lead came from Will Richard’s layup in the final moments after trailing by as much as 14 against a winless South Carolina team in the SEC.
A decisive 22-0 advantage in fast-break points, aided by relentless full-court pressure, masked the Gators’ flaws in an otherwise lackluster performance against a struggling opponent. Grade: B-
No. 6 Tennessee
Result: 68-56 victory against Mississippi State
Following a loss to Vanderbilt, Tennessee showcased a classic defensive display, limiting Mississippi State to just 22.2% shooting in the first half and establishing a 34-16 lead.
Although the Bulldogs attempted a comeback in the second half, Chaz Lanier’s 23 points helped the Vols maintain their unbeaten home record. Grade: A-
No. 7 Houston
Result: 70-36 victory against Utah
In a commanding display, Houston forced Utah into a staggering 26 turnovers, resulting in a one-sided contest. The Cougars capitalized on points off turnovers, leading 29-2 while securing their 11th consecutive victory.
Six out of Houston’s seven league wins have come by more than ten points. Wasn’t the Big 12 expected to pose a tougher challenge than the AAC for Kelvin Sampson’s team? Grade: A+
No. 11 Purdue
Result: 73-70 loss against Ohio State
Purdue faced its first defeat at home since February 25, 2023, when a 26-game winning streak at Mackey Arena was halted by a barrage of three-pointers from Ohio State.
The Boilermakers held a 16-point advantage late in the first half but allowed the Buckeyes to convert 8 of 12 shots from beyond the arc in the second half. Star guard Braden Smith’s struggles, shooting just 3 of 14, further compounded the loss. Grade: C-
No. 12 Kansas
Result: 74-61 victory against TCU
Kansas rallied from a 14-point deficit at a packed Schollmaier Arena, finally securing a convincing win. The Jayhawks achieved their highest shooting percentage in a Big 12 game at 55.6%, with huge contributions from across their lineup.
Once they settled into the game, Kansas revealed glimpses of its championship-caliber potential. Grade: A-
No. 13 Texas A&M
Result: 63-62 victory at Ole Miss
Texas A&M’s style may not be aesthetically pleasing, but the team demonstrates resilience in every contest. Under Buzz Williams, a cohesive group of veterans showcased their grit in a thrilling victory over Ole Miss.
After trailing by four points with less than 30 seconds remaining, Manny Obaseki hit a decisive three-pointer to give A&M the lead.
As usual, an advantage in offensive rebounds (14-6) and second-chance points (13-4) played a crucial role in their success. Grade: B+
No. 14 Mississippi State
Result: 68-56 loss at Tennessee
After a thrilling overtime victory against rival Ole Miss, Mississippi State struggled against Tennessee, starting the game poorly at 1 for 13 from the field.
Although the Bulldogs managed to reduce Tennessee’s lead to 38-31 in the second half, the Volunteers regained control, marking Mississippi State’s third loss in four games. Star guard Josh Hubbard’s slow start to the season raises concerns. Grade: C-
No. 15 Oregon
Result: 82-71 victory against Washington
Despite the final score suggesting a comfortable win, Oregon was locked in a tight contest with the struggling Huskies until the last minute.
TJ Bamba led the Ducks with a game-high 21 points, hitting a game-tying three-pointer at the 8:08 mark, followed by go-ahead free throws and a crucial layup to secure a 75-68 advantage with just over a minute left.
With a strong record (16-3, 5-3 Big Ten) and a solid 7-2 mark in closely contested games, Oregon has proven its resilience. Grade: B
