The Houston Cougars currently lead the Power Rankings as the team to beat at the Big 12 Tournament, with West Virginia at the bottom. Despite this, the tournament’s competitive field means that any outcome is possible this season. Houston is the top contender for the championship, but other schools also have a chance at claiming the title. This analysis of the Big 12 Power Rankings will outline the status of each team heading into the Conference Tournament.
Meanwhile, the official bracket for the 2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship has been released.
TIER 1: Big 12 Title Favourite
Standing as the best team in the Big 12 and possibly the entire country, the Houston Cougars are expected to receive a number one seed in the big dance, regardless of their performance in the Big 12 Tournament. With nine consecutive victories, their recent win against the Kansas Jayhawks solidified their top position. Although their offense is average, their exceptional defense sets them apart. The Cougars are one of only three teams in the nation allowing less than 60 points per game. Their outstanding performance in holding Kansas to just 46 points and forcing 18 turnovers has been a highlight of their season.
TIER 2: The Contenders
The Iowa State Cyclones have outperformed expectations, achieving a 24-7 record this season despite an underwhelming offense. The Baylor Bears’ recent defeat against Texas Tech highlighted their defensive weaknesses, despite ending the regular season as a three-seed. The Texas Tech Red Raiders have climbed up the rankings with three consecutive wins, including a notable victory against Baylor. The BYU Cougars and Kansas Jayhawks, despite an underwhelming record, still pose an unpredictable threat in the tournament.
TIER 3: The Wildcards
Texas, TCU, and Oklahoma have displayed inconsistent performances throughout the season. Despite finishing in seventh place, Texas underperformed according to preseason predictions. TCU suffered a poor stretch at the end of February and into March, but both teams remain potential upset candidates. The Oklahoma Sooners cooled down considerably after a strong start to the season, but finishing ninth in the conference is better than most expected.
TIER 4: Non-NCAA Tournament Squads
Kansas State Wildcats and Cincinnati Bearcats are on the brink of a potential tournament bid, depending on their performance in the tournament. Other teams such as UCF, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia have struggled to gain momentum and are unlikely to make a deep run in the tournament.
As the 2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship approaches, the competition is wide open with Houston as the team to beat. The upcoming tournament will test the strength and resilience of each team as they battle for the prestigious title of Big 12 Champion.