Another huge Big 12 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.
Colorado at #5 Houston
There is nothing on the line here for Colorado because this game is all about Houston. While the Cougars aren’t technically out of the Big 12 title race, this is a must-win game for them. Plus, Houston can’t afford to lose any more games if they want to hold on to a two-seed in the tournament.
Oklahoma State at Cincinnati
A few weeks ago, this would have been a massive game for the Cowboys, but the script has completely flipped for these two schools. Cincinnati has won four out of their last five games, while Oklahoma State has gone 1-5 in their last six. A win for the Bearcats here would put them back at .500 in Big 12 play and position themselves to have a shot at getting in if they can string a few more wins together.
Utah at Arizona State
Unless you are a diehard Big 12 basketball fan who has to watch every game then there is no reason you should pay much attention to this game at all. But if you do watch this game, I will pray for you.
#14 Kansas at #2 Arizona
Out of all the games this weekend, Kansas at Arizona is the biggest in the Big 12. Arizona is still trying to hold on to their conference title race lead and Kansas is still right up there behind them. A win here would pretty much lock it up for Arizona and they are still in line for a one seed. Meanwhile, Kansas is still trying to stay alive and get that coveted double bye in the conference tournament.
#16 Texas Tech at #4 Iowa State
Another big matchup takes place in Hilton this weekend where opposing teams come to die. Well, not really but you get the point. Both Iowa State and Texas Tech are sitting at 11-4 and still have a chance to win the conference. On top of that, both teams are in a position for a double-bye in Kansas City. However, the loser of this game not only will be out of the Big 12 race, but also likely to lose their double-bye spot as well.
#19 BYU at West Virginia
BYU is the ranked team here, but this game means a lot more for the Mountaineers. West Virginia was a bubble team not that long ago before losing three straight against subpar competition. Now on the outside looking in, West Virginia has to win out to even give themselves a chance at making the tournament and it starts on Saturday against BYU.
TCU at Kansas State
With Kansas State looking for a new coach, their season will be coming to an end soon. But as for TCU, they still have plenty to play for. The Horned Frogs were listed as one of the last four teams to get in according to Joe Lunardi and each game left on their schedule is important. TCU is above .500 in Big 12 play and a win on Saturday will keep it that way. This is a must-win game for the Frogs.
Baylor at UCF
With Baylor already looking ahead to next season, this one is all about UCF. The Knights have been one of the biggest surprises in the Big 12 this year and are sitting at 9-6 in conference action. If they can beat Baylor, it would give them their tenth win and likely lock up a single-digit seed for the NCAA Tournament.
