The Big 12 Games of the Week:
Monday
Kansas (23-4, 10-2) at Kansas State (19-8, 8-4) 8 PM ESPN
The Jayhawks have an easier final four games than co-leader Texas A&M, but if they are to falter in the final two weeks, it might be tonight in Manhattan. The Wildcats lost by 27 points just a week and a half ago in Lawrence but have a much better shot at the upset at home. KSU has won their last six conference games at home, and this is exactly the game Bob Huggins was hired to win. It should be close but KU has too much talent in the end.
Tuesday
Texas Tech (17-10, 6-6) at Texas (19-7, 9-3) 8 PM ESPN Plus
The last meeting between these two turned into the Kevin Durant show. KD finished with 37 points and 23 rebounds and single handedly outscored Tech in the second half. The matchup won't be any easier for Tech in Austin. Rick Barnes has never lost to Tech in Austin and holds an all-time mark of 17-2 over the Red Raiders. Jarrius Jackson and Martin Zeno are having outstanding years, but it should be too much DJ Augustin and Durant in this one.
Wednesday
Texas A&M (22-4, 10-2) at Oklahoma State (19-7, 5-6) 8 PM ESPN2
The Aggies were very impressive in the second half in Norman on Saturday and look to be headed for a share of the Big 12 title. OSU has lost four of their last five and was already beaten by the Aggies in College Station earlier this season. With a road trip to Lubbock looming over the weekend, this is probably a `must win' for the Cowboy's NCAA tournament hopes. Billy Gillespie gets another solid performance from Acie Law as the thin, unconfident, and turnover prone Cowboys drop another one at home.
Saturday
Texas (19-7, 9-3) at Oklahoma (15-10, 6-6) 3 PM ESPN Plus
If things go according to my predictions, Texas will enter this one on a three game winning streak after defeating Tech on Tuesday, while OU will enter this one on a three game losing streak after falling to Missouri in Columbia earlier in the week. If both of those things happen, OU will be reeling, Texas will be hitting their stride, and I like our chances to grab a road win in Norman. The Sooners are a much better team than the one we saw in Austin in early January though. Nate Carter is playing like an All Big 12 performer, and the Sooners have really improved on defense. In fact, OU ranks in the top 10 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. If the Longhorns can't get out in transition, it will likely be a race to 60 points. I'll reserve my prediction of the slugfest for Friday's preview.
--AW--