What We Learned from a Wild Saturday in the Big 12
If you’re a college hoops fan, Saturday in the Big 12 delivered the goods - and then some. From a statement win in Ames to a shake-up at the top of the standings, the conference flexed its muscle with high-stakes matchups and bubble teams battling for their tournament lives. Let’s break down what went down and what it means moving forward.
Hilton Magic Is Alive and Well
There’s something about Hilton Coliseum this season - and Iowa State is feeding off it in a big way.
The Cyclones didn’t just beat Kansas on Saturday; they dismantled them. The 74-56 win was another notch in what’s become a dominant home résumé.
Iowa State has now racked up 10 wins at Hilton by 20 or more points. Saturday’s margin didn’t quite hit that threshold, but in terms of impact?
It might’ve been the most impressive yet.
Kansas came in riding high after knocking off No. 1 Arizona earlier in the week, but whatever momentum the Jayhawks had didn’t make the trip to Ames.
Iowa State blew the game open late in the first half with a blistering 20-2 run, turning a tight contest into a double-digit lead that KU never recovered from. Even the return of Darryn Peterson couldn’t spark the Jayhawks this time.
Now, the Cyclones remain undefeated at home and are gearing up for a massive showdown with No. 3 Houston on Big Monday. If you thought Hilton was rocking this weekend, just wait until the Cougars come to town.
TCU Jumps Into the Tournament Picture - For Now
Talk about a timely win.
TCU entered Saturday on the outside looking in when it came to the NCAA Tournament bubble. But after an overtime win over Oklahoma State - and a strong week that also included a victory over Iowa State - the Horned Frogs are suddenly trending in the right direction.
Joe Lunardi’s latest bracket update has TCU among the “Last Four In,” which tells you just how thin the margin is. Every possession, every result matters right now.
As for Oklahoma State, it’s been a rough stretch. Saturday’s loss marked their third straight, and they’ve slipped into the “Next Four Out” category.
But the door isn’t closed - not yet. A win over Kansas on Wednesday could put the Cowboys right back in the thick of the bubble conversation.
Arizona Hits the Wall
The schedule-makers didn’t do Arizona any favors, and now we’re seeing the toll.
After a 23-0 start to the season, the Wildcats have dropped two straight - first to Kansas, then to Texas Tech. The gauntlet is officially underway, and it’s living up to the hype.
The road ahead doesn’t ease up much, either. Arizona hosts BYU next, then heads to Houston, gets a brief break with Baylor, and closes with home games against Kansas and Iowa State. That’s five games against NCAA Tournament-caliber teams in a span of just over two weeks.
It’s a brutal stretch, and the Wildcats are already 0-2. If they can steady the ship and finish 4-2 through this run, that would still be a major accomplishment. But right now, they’re searching for answers - and fast.
Houston Quietly Takes the Driver’s Seat
While all eyes were on Arizona’s stumble, Houston just kept winning - and now finds itself alone atop the Big 12 standings.
At 11-1 in league play, the Cougars are a game up on Arizona and two ahead of Iowa State, Kansas, and Texas Tech. But don’t let the quiet rise fool you - things are about to get loud.
Houston’s next three games? At Iowa State, home against Arizona, and then a trip to Kansas. That’s as tough a stretch as any team in the country will face this season.
So who’s the best team in the Big 12 right now? That depends on who you ask.
A poll on X over the weekend showed Iowa State and Houston getting the most love, and it’s hard to argue with either. But with so many heavyweight matchups on deck, the picture could look very different in just a week’s time.
Final Word
Saturday was a reminder of what makes the Big 12 the most compelling conference in college basketball this season. You’ve got elite teams, hostile environments, and a schedule that doesn’t let up. Whether it’s Iowa State defending its home court, TCU clawing into the tournament field, or Houston quietly climbing the ladder, the storylines are rich - and we’re only getting started.
Buckle up. The stretch run is here, and it’s going to be a wild ride.