Less than two weeks before conference play begins, Big 12 teams are starting to show their true colors. Here are some of the most notable storylines:
Should Iowa State be worried?
No. 18 Iowa State has cemented their feet in the top 20 of the AP Poll despite losses to Northern Iowa (4-4) and South Carolina (9-1), but subjectivity may be masking their early-season tribulations. Quite simply, statistics don’t agree with the AP. Sorted by Simple Rating System (SRS), which takes into account record, strength of schedule and point margin, Iowa State barely cracks the top 50 of Division I programs.
Failing to overthrow South Carolina can be easily excused. Failing to score more than three points in the first 16 minutes of that game? Harder to justify. The Gamecocks 40-point win brought the Cyclones’ ability, both physically and mentally, into question. They didn’t look hungry enough. They didn’t play a polished brand of basketball. Dismissing such a bad loss because of South…
