Another week gone by and the Big XII is still looking good for six NCAA tournament bids. Kansas is obviously the favorite, but Texas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Baylor are all in good position through the first few weeks of conference play. Here is what is in store this week in the Big XII.
Kansas 5-0 (Last Week 2-0) The Jayhawks had no trouble at home over the past week as they destroyed Iowa State by 24 points and Nebraska by 35 points. This week presents two road games, though. The first will be for the league lead in Manhattan. The trip to Kansas State and the trip to Austin present the two most realistic shots at defeat. Anything short of 14-2 in conference should be seen as a disappointment in Lawrence.
Week Ahead: at. Kansas State on Wednesday and at Colorado on Saturday
Kansas State 4-0 (Last Week 2-0) The Wildcats are playing good basketball right now. Kansas State has held their last three conference opponents under 60 points and are currently rank as the 5th best defensive team overall according to Ken Pomeroy. They are undefeated but face a very tough week ahead.
Week Ahead: vs. Kansas on Wednesday and at Missouri Saturday
Baylor 4-1 (Last Week 1-1) The Bears followed up their epic five overtime win in College State by dropping a home game to the Sooners. Dropping that one is not fatal but home wins will be crucial down the stretch for this potential bubble team. Baylor is still looking at an uphill climb, though. Three of their next four are on the road and each of them are projected as losses.
Week Ahead: at Texas on Saturday
Texas 3-1 (Last Week 2-0) The Horns took care of business against two of the lower division conference teams but draw two of the top six this week. A&M’s woes have Horns’ fans dreaming of stealing one in College Station. Keep in mind that Texas hasn’t won at A&M since 2004.
Week Ahead: at Texas A&M on Wednesday and vs. Baylor on Saturday
Oklahoma 2-2 (Last Week 1-0) Apparently the injury to Blake Griffin wasn’t as serious as originally reported. Griffin was back in uniform on Saturday, a full two weeks earlier than expected. With Griffin, OU should be able to at least get a split this week.
Week Ahead: vs. Oklahoma State on Monday and at Texas A&M on Saturday
Texas A&M 2-3 (Last week 1-1) The Aggies may have saved their season with a win at OSU on Saturday and now get two home games this week. A&M’s offense has struggled to find the basket in each of their conference losses. To win either of the games this week that must change.
Week Ahead: vs. Texas on Wednesday and vs. Oklahoma on Saturday
Missouri 2-3 (Last Week 1-1) The Tigers split their pair of road games last week and now get home games this week. To get to 9-7, Missouri must get both of these and now will probably have to play without their starting point guard, Stephon Hannah, who was hospitalized on Sunday after a disturbance outside a bar. Not good news for Mike Anderson's club, to say the least.
Week Ahead: vs. Nebraska on Wednesday and vs. Kansas State on Saturday
Iowa State 2-3 (Last Week 0-2) The Cyclones are going in the wrong direction on both ends of the floor. They do get one of their few winnable games this week, though.
Week Ahead: vs. Colorado on Tuesday and at Nebraska on Saturday
Texas Tech 2-3 (Last Week 1-1) Just as Tech has A&M’s number, Texas has Tech’s. Martin Zeno is talented but not talented enough to lead this team out of the bottom half of this league.
Week Ahead: vs. Oklahoma State on Saturday
Oklahoma State 1-4 (Last Week 0-2) The Cowboys have dropped four straight and now have to go on the road twice this week. OSU is not done dropping off the college basketball map just yet.
Week Ahead: at Oklahoma on Monday and at Texas Tech on Saturday
Colorado 1-4 (Last Week 0-2) Jeff Bzdelick will get the Buffs on track eventually. It just won’t be this season.
Week Ahead: at Iowa State on Tuesday and vs. Kansas on Saturday
Nebraska 0-4 (Last Week 0-1) The sweetness of the non-conference win over Oregon is long gone. Nebraska has now dropped four straight but should be able to pick up a conference win on Saturday.
Week Ahead: at Missouri on Wednesday and vs. Iowa St. on Saturday
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