#2 Kansas (27-4, 14-2) vs. Oklahoma (16-14, 6-10) 11:30 AM ESPN+
With many of the giants stumbling in recent games and weeks, the Jayhawks are in an excellent position for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. These two teams hooked up just a week and a half ago, with Kansas winning by two points in Norman. KU looked like a potential national champion in the first half but were slowed considerably by the rugged 2-3 zone of the Sooners in the second half. This is not an easy quarterfinal draw for Bill Self's club, especially in Oklahoma City. I'll take KU's talent in a close one, though.

Texas Tech (21-11, 9-7) vs. Kansas State (21-10, 10-6) 2 PM ESPN+
The Red Raiders added another victory to their resume on Thursday by defeating Colorado by ten. Behind their three wins over top-10 teams, I believe Texas Tech, win or lose this one, has already earned an NCAA tourney bid. Kansas State, on the other hand, has work left to do. Even though they finished ahead of Tech in the conference standings and already have ten Big 12 wins, their resume has some serious holes. In my opinion, this is a 'must win' game for Bob Huggins' club. Tech defeated Kansas State by ten points in Manhattan in their only previous meeting this season in early January. I'll say Martin Zeno and Jarrius Jackson get hot and Tech advances by four points.

Oklahoma State (21-11, 6-10) vs. #7 Texas A&M (25-5, 13-3) 6 PM ESPN+
The Cowboys easily defeated Nebraska 54-39 in an ugly defensive battle on Thursday, and this game may not be much prettier. Talented freshman guard/forward Obi Muonelo is back for the Cowboys after being sidelined since early December with an ankle injury. Muonelo adds a much needed body for the very thin Cowboys, and with him back in the lineup and the home state crowd, the Aggies are going to have their hands full. I won't be shocked if OSU avenges their pervious two losses to A&M with an upset win, but I'll stick with Acie Law and the Aggies in this one.

#14 Texas (22-8, 12-4) vs. Baylor (15-15, 4-12) 8:20 PM ESPN+
I'm not sure if this is a good draw or not. We avoid Missouri's pressure defense that would undoubtedly tire our starters and challenge our bench players, but instead we get to face Baylor for the third time this season. Texas survived the Bears in Austin with a narrow five point win in January and escaped Waco with a one-point win three weeks ago.

The good news is the Bears show up just in time to shake Connor Atchley from his slump. Atchley was the MVP in both Baylor games this season, and boy would it be nice to see him shooting better and playing more under control on defense as we approach the NCAA tournament.

The Baylor guards played and shot lights out against Missouri on Thursday night. Aaron Bruce is an excellent passing point guard and a joy to watch; Curtis Jerrells is a super streaky shooter with a nice three-point jumper; and Henry Dugat is a solid scorer who shot out of his mind against the Tigers. Texas can probably afford for two of those three to have good games but could be in trouble if all three play at their highest levels again tonight. The Horns won't have to worry too much about the middle of the floor as Kevin Rogers is Baylor's only scoring threat on the low blocks. Texas will struggle defending the three but should control the glass and get enough production from Kevin Durant and DJ Augustin to survive another Baylor upset bid.

--AW--