Iowa State men’s basketball: Cyclones remain at 16th in AP poll after losing skid ends

Iowa State defeated a then 22nd-ranked Kansas State team on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to boost them any spots in the Associated Press top 25 rankings for this week.

Jan 4, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Naz Long (15) drives to the basket against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Robert Turner (14) in the second half at United Spirit Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Cyclones had 684 total points, solidifying their position at 16th for the second straight week. The Wildcats were dropped from the top 25 after losing to Texas earlier in the week before losing to Iowa State. Baylor was also finally dropped after they suffered their fourth consecutive loss in Big 12 play.

Texas makes their debut this season with 142 points, just one shy of tying Ohio State for 24th. The Longhorns have defeated three straight ranked opponents dating back to their win over Iowa State two Saturdays ago.

Three other Big 12 teams stay in the top 25. Oklahoma moved up slightly to 23rd with 203 points, Oklahoma State takes Kansas’ old position at eighth with 1,067 points (four more than Villanova), and the Jayhawks are now at sixth with 1,272 points.

Something notable: The Iowa Hawkeyes dropped five spots to 15th after their loss against Michigan and later destroying Northwestern, one spot ahead of Iowa State.

Coaches poll update: Iowa State is 18th in the USA Today Coaches poll, down one spot from a week ago. Every Big 12 team is down in comparison to the AP poll; Kansas is tied with Louisville at seventh, Oklahoma State is 10th, Oklahoma is 25th, and Texas sits right outside at 26th. Iowa is much higher than the AP poll, sitting at 12th.

The Cyclones will have an opportunity to boost ahead in the polls when they take on Kansas this Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM Central time and it will be televised on ESPNU.