Think the Big XII is weak this season? Think again. The three top teams entering this week all split their games over the last seven days. Even with their road loss, Kansas still sits atop the conference and in solid position for the championship and a #1 seed. If the season ended today, Kansas along with Texas, Kansas State, Baylor, OU, and A&M would all pick up bids.
Kansas 6-1 (Last Week 1-1) The Jayhawks may have gotten ‘Beasleyed’ in Manhattan but KU remains the team to beat in the conference and maybe in the nation. They are outstanding on both ends of the court, balanced, deep, and hungry. Look out.
Week Ahead: vs. Missouri on Monday and vs. Baylor Saturday
Kansas State 5-1 (Last Week 1-1) The Wildcats followed up their huge win over KU by laying an egg in Columbia on Saturday against a depleted Missouri squad. Two home wins this week should get K State back on track.
Week Ahead: vs. Nebraska on Wednesday and vs. Oklahoma State on Saturday
Texas 4-2 (Last Week 1-1) As ugly as Wednesday was, a split of last week’s games was acceptable. A tough stretch over the next two weeks awaits with two games away from Austin this week. It’s time to steal at least one more conference road game.
Week Ahead: at OU on Wednesday and at Iowa State on Saturday
Baylor 4-2 (Last Week 0-1) A valiant effort by the Bears came up short against the Horns on Saturday. Baylor’s place in the Big XII South makes their schedule a difficult one, but if Scott Drew’s club can get to 9-7, they will easily earn an at-large berth.
Week Ahead: vs. Texas Tech on Wednesday and at Kansas on Saturday
Texas A&M 4-3 (Last week 2-0) After dropping three straight, the Aggies now have a three game winning streak. That run will be tested this week as A&M leaves College Station twice. If A&M can continue to rely on their strong inside game and get serviceable performances from Sloan and Kirk, they will continue to climb the conference standings.
Week Ahead: at Iowa State on Tuesday and at Missouri on Saturday
Oklahoma 3-3 (Last Week 1-1) The Sooners won the first Bedlam match up but ran out of gas against the Aggies after holding the halftime lead. OU is a rugged bunch that will try to exploit the Horns’ weak interior defense just like the Aggies did. If they can, it will be another long game for the Horns.
Week Ahead: vs. Texas on Wednesday and at Colorado on Saturday
Texas Tech 3-3 (Last Week 1-0) The Red Raiders are now 3-0 at home and 0-3 on the road in conference play. The good news is they are taking care of business on their home court. The bad news is both of their games are away from Lubbock this week. With home games with Texas and OU remaining, it is hard to see Tech finishing at or above .500 in conference this season.
Week Ahead: at Baylor on Wednesday and at Nebraska on Saturday
Missouri 3-4 (Last Week 1-1) The Tigers self-inflected wounds cost them one game last week but Mike Anderson’s club rebounded over the weekend and upset Kansas State. Without the services of point guard, Stephon Hannah, a winning conference record now feels like a reach.
Week Ahead: at Kansas on Monday and vs. Texas A&M on Saturday
Iowa State 3-4 (Last Week 1-1) The Cyclones did earn a split last week by taking care of business against CU in Ames. Ken Pomeroy predicts nine straight conference losses to end the season. It shouldn’t be that ugly, but it’ll be close.
Week Ahead: vs. Texas A&M on Tuesday and vs. Texas on Saturday
Nebraska 2-4 (Last Week 2-0) The Huskers were one of two conference teams to go 2-0 last week as they drew Missouri at just the right time. Three of the next four are winnable. Aleks Maric and company could be 5-5 in mid-February.
Week Ahead: at Kansas State on Wednesday and vs. Texas Tech on Saturday
Oklahoma State 1-6 (Last Week 0-2) The current six game slide should end against Colorado. Is it too early to start asking if Sean Sutton is right for OSU?
Week Ahead: vs. Colorado on Wednesday and at Kansas State on Saturday
Colorado 1-6 (Last Week 0-2) The Buffs have now dropped five straight and don’t have a winnable game in sight. Finishing 3-13 would be an accomplishment.
Week Ahead: at Oklahoma State on Wednesday and vs. Oklahoma on Saturday
--AW--