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.
UCF at West Virginia
This is plenty on the line in this one. In fact, it’s one of two major bubble games this weekend in the Big 12. UCF has lost two in a row and have put their backs against the wall in the final week. A win here could help punch their ticket in and grab a single digit seed.
Meanwhile West Virginia is on the outside looking in. After a rough loss to Kansas State earlier in the week, this has become a must win game for the Mountaineers who are below .500 in conference play.
#7 Houston at Oklahoma State
Not much at stake here with Houston being a lock to get into the tournament no matter what. Even if Oklahoma State pulled off a miracle here, they still have zero chance of sniffing the big dance.
Arizona State at #6 Iowa State
With Arizona State’s season coming to an end soon, this one is all about the Cyclones getting back on track. Iowa State has lost two in a row and a win here would be a nice way to end the regular season and pick up a win before heading to Hilton south.
Kansas State at #14 Kansas
Kansas State has nothing to lose here. They aren’t making the tournament, their head coach is gone and all they have left is this game and Kansas City. But it is a chance to beat your in-state rival which is big. Can they do it? I doubt it but a rivalry game is still fun.
Cincinnati at TCU
This the second big bubble game in the Big 12. Once buried six feet under, the Bearcats are now the hottest team in the Big 12 winning six of their last seven games. If they can win this game and win a pair in Kansas City, they could easily sneak their way in.
As for TCU, their road win against Tech should have been good enough to make it in but a win here would only help their case.
Utah at Baylor
In a game where both teams have a combined Big 12 record of 7-27, there’s not much at stake here for either team. Barring a miraculous run in Kansas City, their seasons should be coming to an end soon.
#10 Texas Tech at BYU
I know both teams will be playing in the postseason, but this BYU team is trending in the wrong direction. They have lost four of their last five games after losing Richie Saunders and desperately need to get back on track before the tournament begins. A loss here could push them closer to a ten seed as well.
#2 Arizona at Colorado
With Colorado’s season all but over, there’s nothing at stake here for either team. Arizona has already locked up a Big 12 regular season title and a one seed for the conference tournament. Plus, they likely have already earned themselves a one seed in the big dance regardless of this result.
