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Notebook: Big 12 posting strong defensive metrics

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Something you don’t hear every day: Hey, they’re playing good defense in the Big 12.

While the football conference has built a reputation around high-powered and quick-striking offenses, Big 12 men’s basketball teams are taking a different approach this season.

In the latest NCAA defensive efficiency ratings — which ranks teams on their ability to keep other teams from scoring over 100 possessions — eight Big 12 teams are in the top 85.

Texas Tech is No. 1 in the country, while Kansas State is No. 6.

“I’ve had this discussion recently and I think the league is trending to the defensive end,” said TCU coach Jamie Dixon, who has his Horned Frogs ranked at No.