After a sweep of Texas and Nebraska last week, Texas A&M remains atop the Big 12 standings at 9-1. Kansas stands just a game back after beating rivals Kansas State and Missouri. Kansas State and Texas remain tied for third at 7-3.
Those top four teams look to be in pretty good position for NCAA tournament bids with just three weeks left in the regular season. The fifth and possibly sixth bids for the Big 12 remain in question.
Oklahoma has won three straight conference games and now rests in the top half of the conference standings at 6-4. The Sooners have two big games this weekend: at Iowa State and at home against Texas A&M on Saturday. Two more wins will put them very much in the NCAA tournament discussion, something that seemed unfathomable just two weeks ago.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys appear to be headed south despite their double overtime victory over Texas Tech on Saturday. Their resume is still strong with an RPI in the top 25 and non-conference wins over Missouri State and Pittsburgh, but OSU is just 5-4 in the Big 12 with seven conference games remain, including four on the road and difficult home games with A&M and Kansas State. 8-8 in the Big 12 will likely not be good enough this year.
After beating Kansas and A&M in back to back homes games, Texas Tech has dropped five straight with a probable sixth straight yet to come (at A&M on Tuesday). The Red Raiders are likely NIT bound.
Let's take a look at the Big 12 Games of the Week:
Monday
Oklahoma State (19-5, 5-4) at Texas (17-7, 7-3) 8 PM ESPN
Another "Big Monday" contest for the Horns. Hopefully, this one will turn out better than last Monday's. The last time these two hooked up, Texas lost a heartbreaker in triple OT on Mario Boggan's three pointer at the buzzer. The game in Stillwater also introduced the nation to Kevin Durant as he went off for 37 points and 12 rebounds. The Longhorns are 12-1 at home this season while OSU is 0-4 in true road games. After two overtimes on Saturday and travel to Austin, it is unlikely the Cowboys walk into Austin and steal one.
Tuesday
Oklahoma (15-8, 6-4) at Iowa State (12-12, 3-7) 7 PM ESPN Plus
The Sooners are one of the hottest teams in the conference and will be looking to greatly improve their NCAA tournament resume with a conference road win. Iowa State played hard and well in the second half against the Horns on Saturday. If they can continue to knock down threes and protect the basketball, they have a shot at defending their home court.
Saturday
Texas A&M (21- 3, 9-1) at Oklahoma (15-8, 6-4) 2:30 PM ESPN Plus
For the Aggies, this will be the one of the games that determines the difference between an outright or split title with the Jayhawks. For the Sooners, they could be going for their sixth win in a row. OU has been a solid 12-1 at home this season and won't go down easily in Norman. If you like slow, half court, and physical basketball, tune in. It doesn't get much uglier than the Sooners and the Aggies.
--AW--