The Longhorns will need two good performances this week to have a shot at the NCAA Tournament. Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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