frontdixon01.jpg

Player of the Week

Michael Dixon, Missouri

The Missouri Tiger’s sixth man didn’t start the game on the floor for Mizzou on Monday against Texas, but he was definitely there for the finish. His lay-up with 31 seconds left propelled his team to a 67-66 victory over the Longhorns, pushing the Tigers to 20 wins on the season. The 6’1" junior finished the game with 21 points while shooting 9-10 from the field, including 2-2 from three-point range. He also handed out four assists for his team. On the season, he is now averaging a hair over 12 points per game, and almost three assists.

Who’s Hot

Royce White, Iowa State

The junior star is continuing his very strong play for the Cyclones, while carrying them toward the top of the Big 12 standings along the way. On Tuesday against the Kansas State Wildcats, the 6’8" power forward proved too much to handle for K-State. In the 72-70 win, he hit the game winning jump shot with 1.8 seconds left. He scored 22 points on 10-17 shooting from the field, grabbed eight rebounds, handed out four assists, had three blocks, and grabbed two steals. He is an all-around threat for his team, and has dominated everyone he has faced this season.

Honorable Mention

Pierre Jackson, Baylor- Hit the game winning shot in a 63-30 victory over Texas A&M, while scoring 14 points, handing out five assists, grabbing four rebounds, and stealing three balls

Thomas Robinson, Kansas – Scored 20 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in an 84-62 victory over Oklahoma

Who’s Cold

Rodney McGruder, Kansas State

The junior leader of the Kansas State Wildcats is facing a ton of pressure from both head coach Frank Martin, as well as his teammates. If the Wildcats are going to win games, he must perform well, because whenever he doesn’t, they seem to lose. In K-State’s 72-70 loss to Iowa State, he suffered a miserable shooting game, making only 5-16 shots from the field for a miserable 31%. While only scoring 11 points, he was a non-factor elsewhere in the game, only grabbing three rebounds and accumulating two steals. As I’ve reiterated all season, Kansas State will go only as far as the talented 6’5" junior can take them.

Top 5: Games This Week

1. Kansas vs. Baylor (Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. ESPN2)

This is a payback game for the Baylor Bears. As it stands right now, they sit only one game behind the Jayhawks in the conference standings, and can avenge their loss earlier this season to Kansas, when they got blown out at Phog Allen Fieldhouse.

2. Baylor vs. Missouri

Another big game for Baylor this week has the two teams tied for second in the conference standings pitted against one another. Another payback game for Baylor, who lost 89-88 to the Tigers earlier in the year. However, beating Mizzou at home is quite a task.

3. Kansas State vs. Texas

The Kansas State Wildcats cannot afford to lose this game if they want to keep their hopes alive for an NCAA tournament berth. From here on out, they need to make sure they win ever game they are supposed to, while hoping to pull a few upsets in the process.

4. Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State

The Iowa State Cyclones are in a very solid position for the NCAA tournament. As of now, they need to keep churning along, winning games they "should" win, like this one against Oklahoma State. However, be aware of entering Gallagher Iba Arena, a very tough place to win on the road.

5. Texas A&M vs. Iowa State

Another game the Cyclones must win. I don’t foresee them having a problem beating Texas A&M, especially if Aggies star Khris Middleton isn’t in the lineup.

Conference Power Rankings

1. Kansas 18-4 (8-1)
2. Missouri 20-2 (7-2)
3. Baylor 20-2 (7-2)
4. Iowa State 16-6 (6-3)
5. Kansas State 15-6 (4-5)
6. Oklahoma State 11-11 (4-5)
7. Oklahoma 13-8 (3-6)
8. Texas 13-9 (3-6)
9. Texas A&M 12-9 (3-6)
10. Texas Tech 7-14 (0-9)