As the Big 12 Tournament is set to begin tomorrow in Kansas City, Missouri, I predict the results game-by-game.
Game 1: Oklahoma State (8) vs. Oklahoma (9) Wednesday, 6 p.m. on ESPNU
The University of Oklahoma finished the season 3-7 in its final 10 games, while Trae Young shot just 38 percent and averaged 5.2 turnovers in that span.
Oklahoma State finished the regular season on a short 3-1 spurt with wins over Texas Tech and Kansas.
Prediction: Oklahoma State will keep momentum to steal one from its rival.
Game 2: Texas (7) vs. Iowa State (10) Wednesday, 8 p.m. on ESPNU
Iowa State has had an unprecedented bad season. The last time it had a losing record was the 2009-10 season when it went 15-17.
The University of Texas is coming off a huge upset win over West Virginia University in overtime to close out the regular season. The Longhorns may be without big man Mohamed Bamba, who has missed time with a toe injury.
Prediction: Texas will take care of business and easily dismiss Iowa State to move on to the next round.
Game 3: Kansas State (4) vs. Texas Christian (5) Thursday, 11:30 am on ESPN2
These two teams split the season series, with both games being decided by a combined 14 points.
In their last meeting, K-State was able to hold TCU to just 66 points, keeping the Horned Frogs below 70 points for only the second time all season.
Prediction: K-State’s defense will prove to be too tough for TCU and help them scrape by in another close game.
Game 4: Kansas (1) vs. Oklahoma State (8) Thursday, 1:30 p.m. on ESPN2
Kansas remains the juggernaut of the Big 12 as it won its 14th consecutive regular season conference title, which set an NCAA record.
Oklahoma State is the only Big 12 team to beat KU twice in one season during the Bill Self era.
Prediction: The Jayhawks will avoid a third loss to the Cowboys and coast comfortably to the semifinals.
Game 5: Texas Tech (2) vs. Texas (7) Thursday, 6 p.m. on ESPNU
The Texas Tech defense will be hard for the Longhorns to get by. Texas already averages just 71.9 points per game, and the Red Raiders hold opponents to just 64.5 points per game.
Prediction: Texas Tech will shut down Texas offense for a double-digit win to survive and play on Friday.
Game 6: West Virginia (3) vs. Baylor (6) Thursday, 8 p.m. on ESPNU
West Virginia seniors Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles will be looking to leave their mark on the Big 12 by taking home the trophy after losing in the title game the last two years.
Baylor needs a win to make its NCAA Tournament bid more secure and has played West Virginia close in both meetings this season, losing by three and nine.
Prediction: Baylor battles through the tough defense of West Virginia and adds another quality win to its resume.
Game 7: Kansas (1) vs. Kansas State (4) Friday, 6 p.m. on ESPN2
The Jayhawks boast a 9-0 record over the Wildcats when the teams meet in the Big 12 Tournament.
Since the first meeting with KU, Dean Wade has averaged 18.9 points per game for K-State.
Prediction: K-State will receive balanced scoring from its myriad of contributors led by Dean Wade and get to its first Big 12 title game since 2013.
Game 8: Texas Tech (2) vs. Baylor (6) Friday, 8 p.m. on ESPN2
Prediction: Texas Tech will get a huge game from Evans and Culver to come out of a high-scoring battle to avenge its earlier loss to Baylor and appear in its first-ever Big 12 title game.
Game 9: Texas Tech (2) vs. Kansas State (4) Saturday, 5 p.m. on ESPN
Out of all its opponents this season, Texas Tech is one K-State has struggled against the most. Whatever it is, the Red Raiders seem to have the Wildcats figured out.
Prediction: Texas Tech will win on a last-second shot to claim the Big 12 Tournament trophy.
