Arizona Wildcats Surge to Top of Big 12 Standings with Perfect Start

The Arizona Wildcats, once considered a preseason darkhorse for the Big 12, have silenced doubters with a dominant start to conference play. After a shaky non-conference performance, the Wildcats have surged to a perfect 3-0 record in the Big 12, joining Iowa State and Houston as the only undefeated teams in the conference. Their resurgence has been fueled by a combination of stellar defense and a revitalized offense, making them the biggest climber in this week’s power rankings.

Arizona’s defense has been the cornerstone of their success. In a revenge game against West Virginia, the Wildcats held the Mountaineers to just 56 points, avenging an earlier loss in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. Superstar KJ Lewis led the charge with 21 points, showcasing the form that made him a preseason standout. The Wildcats’ defensive prowess has been complemented by an offense that ranks higher nationally than their defense on KenPom.com’s efficiency ratings, a surprising but welcome development for head coach Tommy Lloyd.

Meanwhile, Iowa State continues to dominate, boasting the No. 2 defense in the country according to KenPom.com. The Cyclones have held their first three Big 12 opponents to an average of 49.3 points per game, including a commanding 82-59 victory over Utah. Curtis Jones and Tamin Lipsey have been instrumental, combining for 43 points in the win. Iowa State’s relentless defense and balanced scoring make them a formidable contender in the conference.

Houston, another undefeated team, has also made waves with their top-ranked defense. The Cougars extended their home winning streak to 30 games with a convincing victory over TCU, holding the Horned Frogs to just four assists and forcing 14 turnovers. Emmanuel Sharp led the way with 14 points, but it was Houston’s defensive intensity that sealed the win. The Cougars’ ability to shut down opponents has been a key factor in their early success.

On the other end of the spectrum, teams like Cincinnati, Colorado, and Utah are struggling to find their footing in the Big 12. Colorado, in particular, suffered a heartbreaking 75-74 loss to UCF, dropping them to 0-3 in conference play. The Buffaloes, who last started 0-3 in conference play during their Pac-12 days in 2016-17, are searching for answers as they face a challenging schedule ahead.

Kansas State and Oklahoma State are also navigating rough patches. The Wildcats, once a surprise team in the conference, have lost five of their last six games, including a 79-66 defeat to Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, led by Abou Ousmane’s 27-point performance, secured their first conference win, providing a glimmer of hope for a team that has struggled with consistency.

As the Big 12 season progresses, the race for the top spot remains wide open. Arizona’s resurgence, Iowa State’s defensive dominance, and Houston’s home-court advantage make them early favorites, but the conference’s depth ensures that no team can afford to rest on its laurels. With key matchups on the horizon, including Arizona’s clash with Kansas and Iowa State’s showdown with Houston, the Big 12 promises to deliver more thrilling basketball in the weeks to come.