Another college basketball weekend is upon us as we are hitting the home stretch of the regular season. March is right around the corner and before you know it, so will Selection Sunday. Whether you are fighting for a Big 12 Conference title, a one seed or simply just trying to get into the tournament, every game matters. We have a full slate this weekend and I thought it would be fun to go down the list of games to see what’s on the line in the Big 12.
TCU at Oklahoma State
Both teams are still trying to stay on the bubble here as TCU’s big upset win over Iowa State this week put them back in the tournament conversation. As for Oklahoma State, they have fallen off a bit since beating BYU last week dropping two straight in blowout fashion. Both teams really need a win here and the loser’s tournament hopes would take a massive hit with a loss.
#9 Kansas at #5 Iowa State
I would argue that Kansas vs. Iowa State is best game, not just in the Big 12, but the entire country. Kansas is red-hot and playing better than anyone in the conference with eight straight wins, with four of them came against Top 25 opponents. Meanwhile, Iowa State needs a bounce back after a rough game in Fort Worth. Plus, with Arizona losing, the winner of this one will be right in the conference title conversation. Hilton will be rocking and I can’t wait for this game.
Kansas State at #3 Houston
While Houston is still chasing down a Big 12 championship with just one loss in conference play, this game is more about Jerome Tang than anything else. Tang has made national headlines this week when talking about his team saying that his guys don’t even deserve to wear the K-State uniform. On top of that, fans showed up with bags over their heads in shame. Jerome’s seat is as hot as anyone’s out there and if Kansas State pulls another no show, he will likely be gone sooner rather than later.
Colorado at #22 BYU
It’s been a rough two weeks for BYU as they are 1-4 in their last five games. While AJ Dybansta has been sensational this season, he hasn’t always had a ton of help. The Cougars need to get back into a rhythm because right now they are a bit out of sync and this upcoming game against a lowly Colorado team should help.
#24 Louisville at Baylor
It’s not often you see out of conference games in mid-February, but Baylor decided to play Louisville in Fort Worth for this one. The Cardinals are a lock to make the tournament, but Baylor is nowhere close with their 3-9 record in Big 12 play. But it would be good for the conference to pick up an unexpected win against a top 25 team.
West Virginia at UCF
Not many people are talking about West Virginia, which is fair because they have an uphill battle to get into the tournament conversation. But a win against a good UCF team on the road could get them one step closer to the bubble. The Knights on the other hand are fine but at 6-5 in Big 12 play, they need to rack up all the wins they can to make sure they stick around come March.
#16 Texas Tech at #1 Arizona
If Texas Tech vs. Arizona isn’t the best game in the Big 12, then it’s damn close. Texas Tech won back-to-back games this past week after losing two straight. The Red Raiders are still one of the best teams in the conference and are still in the Big 12 title race. Meanwhile, Arizona is fresh off their first loss of the season and are looking to get back on track to stay at the top of the conference. Much like the Kansas/Iowa State game, this is one you can’t miss if you are a college basketball fan.
Utah at Cincinnati
Out of all the games this weekend, this one probably has the least on the line. Neither team is even close to the tournament bubble and both will be sitting home for a majority of March. But I will say, if there is a chance for Wes Miller to save his job then this game is a must win for Cincinnati.
