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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) dribbles the ball during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) dribbles the ball during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
24

Iowa State Cyclones

Last week: 19-9. 11-5 Big 12
Last rank: 25

Iowa State moves up a spot despite splitting a pair of games this week, as Steve Prohm’s team has really clicked over the past four weeks.

The Cyclones took down red hot Oklahoma State at Hilton Coliseum on Tuesday night for their sixth straight victory. After keeping it close against West Virginia for much of Friday night’s game, the Cyclones eventually faltered late in a 87-76 loss, but a competitive defeat in Morgantown doesn’t hurt their perception at all.

With all of the point guard talent in college basketball this year, Monte Morris’ terrific campaign has been a little overlooked, but the senior was rewarded with a first-team All-Big 12 nod. Morris dished out 11 assists against the Cowboys to make up for a poor shooting night, and handled the West Virginia press with just one turnover in 38 minutes of action.

Iowa State has plenty of options beyond Morris with Nazareth Mitrou-Long, Deonte Burton and Matt Thomas all enjoying productive seasons. The Cylones have shot 42.3 percent from the perimeter since the start of conference play to help them rank 18th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency, and the defense has improved over recent years behind one of the best turnover margins in the nation.

Thursday’s neutral court game against Oklahoma State could be one of the most entertaining matchups in any conference tournament, and the Cyclones will likely get a shot at their second win of the year against Kansas should they advance.