Texas at Nebraska 12:30 PM
I wrote about this matchup a few days ago. So the question is do I believe that the Huskers have enough to pull out this much-needed victory? In a word, no. But, I do think they can keep it close enough that if enough breaks go their way they could eek out a victory. They’re gonna need to play their best game of the season though. Texas is staring a #1 ranking in the face with a win, although Tristan Thompson already said he wants no piece of it. Maybe they’ll lay down to avoid getting the dreaded top ranking.
Prediction: Texas 70, Nebraska 61
Missouri at Iowa St. 12:45 PM
This is the Tigers best shot at a road victory in the Big 12, if they are ever gonna get one. If not, they might just go 8-8 with all 8 wins at home, and all 8 losses on the road. Good luck evaluating that! And somehow they’re still ranked? Not sure about that one. Things only seem to be getting worse for the 1-10 Cyclones, although they put up a solid effort on the road at Texas A&M this week.
Prediction: Missouri 84, Iowa St 73
Colorado at Kansas 1 PM
I feel sorry for the Buffaloes, who are sure to get this Kansas team’s best effort following their loss to Kansas St. earlier this week. Colorado still has an outside shot at an NCAA Tournament appearance, and even a close loss in this one would go a long ways toward achieving that. I don’t like their chances. I’d be shocked to see KU lose to anyone before the conference tournament. However, it won’t matter in the conference race, as it will take a miracle (Texas losing twice) for the Jayhawks to extend their conference winning streak.
Prediction: Kansas 84, Colorado 65
Oklahoma at Kansas St. 3 PM
The Wildcats couldn’t have asked for a friendlier game to follow up their emotional victory over their in-state rivals. If this game happened to present a challenge for them at all, I wouldn’t hesitate in picking them to lose. But this Oklahoma team is no good. I expect the Wildcat momentum to continue in a huge way.
Prediction: Kansas St. 68, Oklahoma 52
Texas Tech at Baylor 7 PM
ESPN’s Bracketology has the Bears in as the 5th to last team right now, which means official bubble status. However, with conference favorites going down in their conference tournaments, the number of at-large teams is sure to shrink. However, this non-chalant Baylor team can not afford to look past this game. A loss could really hurt their chances. The good news for them is that this is a very winnable game for them.
Prediction: Baylor 72, Texas Tech 60
Texas A&M at Oklahoma St. 8 PM
This is the biggest toss-up of all the games on the slate. However, it doesn’t feel that difficult for me to predict. The Aggies have been on a downward slide ever since conference season started, but have been able to eek out wins their last three times out against Colorado, Texas Tech, and Iowa State. I think their mediocre play catches up with them at a tough venue to play at.
Prediction: Oklahoma St. 66, Texas A&M 60