The Big XII tournament kicks off tomorrow with several teams in need of wins to have a shot to play in the NCAA tournament. Here are a few things to know going into the conference championship. 

SCHEDULE: 

Wednesday, March 7th

GAME 1: No. 8 Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma (ESPNU) 6 PM

GAME 2: No. 7 Texas vs. No. 10 Iowa State (ESPNU) 8 PM

Thursday, March 8th

GAME 3: No. 4 Kansas State vs. No. 5 TCU (ESPN2) 11:30 AM

GAME 4: No. 1 Kansas vs. Game 1 winner (ESPN2) 1:30 PM

GAME 5: No. 2 Texas Tech vs. Game 2 winner (ESPN2) 6 PM

GAME 6: No. 3 West Virginia vs. No. 6 Baylor (ESPN2) 8 PM

Friday, March 9th

GAME 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (ESPN 2) 6 PM

GAME 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN2) 8 PM

Saturday March 10th

GAME 9-Championship Game: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (ESPN) 5 PM

ODDS:

Kansas +200

West Virginia +350

Texas Tech +450

Kansas State +700

TCU +1000

Baylor +1200

Texas +2000

Oklahoma +2000

Oklahoma State +2000

Iowa State +2500

THE STAKES: 

Kansas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Kansas State and TCU are all solidly locked into tournament spots. Iowa State can’t make the tournament without winning the conference tourney. That leaves Baylor, Texas and the Oklahoma schools as bubble teams. With Oklahoma and Oklahoma State going up against each other in the first game, one of them could be eliminated early on. For Oklahoma, a first round win may be enough to lock in their spot. Oklahoma State would likely need a win over Kansas to get an at-large bid. Texas absolutely has to beat Iowa State, and would need a good showing against Texas Tech on Thursday to have a shot. This isn’t out of the question, given that Keenan Evans is clearly not at 100% health. Baylor could get onto the right side of the bubble with a win over West Virginia. Overall, the conference should send a minimum of 6 teams to the dance, with 8 teams being the ceiling. 


PREDICTIONS: 

Oklahoma State def. Oklahoma

Texas def. Iowa State

TCU def. Kansas State

Kansas def. Oklahoma State

Texas Tech def. Texas

Baylor def. West Virginia

Kansas def. TCU

Baylor def. Texas Tech

Kansas def. Baylor