ISU Men’s Basketball Doesn’t Gain Ground in Top 25 Rankings

Defeating an 11th-ranked team in your own arena doesn’t mean as much when it’s offset by the worst loss of the season, even on the road.

The Cyclones couldn’t overcome a loss to Texas Tech earlier in the week and make a dent in the rankings after defeating then 11th-ranked Kansas State. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State only received four votes in the AP Poll and no votes in the Coaches Poll in this week’s newest top 25 rankings in men’s basketball. The Cyclones defeated 11th-ranked Kansas State in the AP rankings in Hilton Coliseum after losing to Texas Tech who had an even .500 record going into the meeting last Wednesday.

The Wildcats losing to Kansas in Manhattan, 59-55 last Tuesday, also could have affected Iowa State’s ranking. Kansas State currently rides a two-game losing streak and fell to 18th in the AP and 21st in the Coaches.

Michigan is the overwhelming number one team in the AP receiving 51 first-place votes after pulling away at Illinois, 74-60, on Sunday. Kansas received 13 first-place votes and number two on the list. However, the Jayhawks make their debut at number one in the Coaches with 16 first-place votes.

Baylor is the only other Big 12 team that’s received votes other than ISU. The Bears have received five votes in the AP and seven votes in the Coaches.

Iowa State is in position to gain some ground this week when they have another road test at Oklahoma State on Wednesday and will face Baylor at home this Saturday night in primetime.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter.