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How To Watch Big 12 Men’s Basketball Games Week 9: TCU vs. Kansas, Oklahoma vs. Iowa State

By Matthew Postins

Posted on January 1, 2024

The Big 12 men’ basketball season starts Week 9 of the season on Monday, but the real fun starts on Saturday with the first round of conference play.

The league is about to embark on one of the toughest conference slates any league will play in college basketball — 18 games, approximately 10 weeks and just one ‘bye’ to get a little rest.

By the end of those 18 game we’ll know who the seeds are for the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.

Here’s the complete schedule, how to watch each game and, if you’re so inclined, the three must-watch games of the week.

TCU at Kansas

How To Watch: 1 p.m., Saturday, CBS

You may recall that last season the Horned Frogs went into Allen Fieldhouse and completely stunned the Jayhawks, 83-60. It was one of the worst losses the Jayhawks suffered at home under coach Bill Self.

This Kansas team has Final Four potential. Hunter Dickinson has played as advertised and Kevin McCullar Jr. has finally ascended into elite player status. Meanwhile, TCU has put together a fine season to this point, built around Emanuel Miller and Micah Peavy.

Lightning couldn’t possibly strike two years in a row in the same place, could it?

Iowa State at Oklahoma

How to Watch: 5 p.m., Saturday, ESPN+

I really like what Iowa State has put together so far this season. The Cyclones’ 3-point shooting has improved. So has guard Tamin Lipsey. The Cyclones are a better team inside, too. Plus, because it’s ISU, they’re playing elite defense.

Oklahoma was picked 11th in the conference by the coaches and, honestly, their national ranking is a big of a surprise. Does that mean the Sooners are for real? This is when we really start to find out. When you get into Big 12 play, you have to hold serve at home. It’s essential to having a good season. OU is good enough to win this game at home. Iowa State is good enough to steal it.

Texas Tech at Texas

How to Watch: 7 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2

Frankly, this is more of a rivalry game in basketball than it is in football, especially the past several years, between the two teams being evenly matched and the Chris Beard factor.

With Beard gone, Texas, on paper, is the better team. I think some folks are sleeping on the Longhorns if we’re being honest. Max Abmas has made them a better offensive team on the perimeter.

Texas Tech is without Devan Cambridge for the rest of the season, but the Red Raiders have rebounded nicely since losing him. New coach Grant McCasland has them moving forward and the play of guard Pop Isaacs has been special all season.