College Basketball Regional Power Rankings: Can the Texas Longhorns win the Big 12?

Jan 27, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard

(24) reacts during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Lloyd Noble Center. Oklahoma won 88-76. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

2. Oklahoma Sooners (17-5, 6-3 Big 12)

The Sooners are coming off a tough road loss to Iowa State 81-75, but I still think they can play with Kansas and red-hot Texas. Don’t forget that this team manhandled Oklahoma State 88-76 at home last week. Lon Kruger has his guys playing at a very fast pace and it’s working quite well. Oklahoma is averaging 83.5 points per game, which is good for 10th in the nation. Guard Buddy Hield (17 PPG, 5th in Big 12) and Forward Cameron Clark (16.1 PPG, 8th in Big 12) form one of the most dynamic scoring duos in the conference. Freshman point guard Jordan Woodard (11.3 PPG, 4.6 APG) has been one of the biggest surprises this season and Ryan Spangler (11.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG) has turned into a double-double machine. This balanced offensive production is a huge reason why Oklahoma has won four out of their last five and sit at third in the Big 12 standings. Up next for the Sooners is a challenging trip to West Virginia on Wednesday before batting Baylor in Norman on Saturday.