Bracketology: Final February Bubble Watch and the Twitter mailbag

Dec 31, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) stands on the court in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Clemson defeated Wake 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 20, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State guard Monte Morris (11) takes a jump shot against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Aaron Ross (15) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Big 12

Lead-Pipe Lock: Baylor, Kansas, West Virginia

Some Perspiration: Oklahoma State, Iowa State

Better Double-Up on the Deodorant: Kansas State, TCU

Oklahoma State Cowboys, 18-9 (7-7): Despite falling to Baylor a few weeks back by three points at home, nobody has flipped the switch from struggling to dominating more than Oklahoma State. After dropping their first six games in the Big 12, the Cowboys have really turned it on as of late. They have now won eight of nine games (the lone loss coming to Baylor) and have moved up to the eight line in the bracket.

Record vs. potential tournament teams: 7-8

Monday seed: 8 RPI: 28 SOS: 20

Bad losses: at Texas

Remaining schedule: at Kansas State (2/22), vs. Texas Tech (2/25), at Iowa State (2/28), vs. Kansas (3/4)

Iowa State Cyclones, 18-9 (10-5): Since their tough road loss to Texas a couple weeks ago, Iowa State has won four straight games, three of which came against potential tournament teams. The Cyclones are looking to be in solid shape for the field, which is evident by their move from our bottom section of the bubble up to the middle line. They finish the year with three very difficult games, even if two of them are at home. If they can manage to go 2-1, they will secure their spot.

Record vs. potential tournament teams: 8-7

Monday seed: 9 RPI: 38 SOS: 43

Bad losses: at Iowa, at Texas

Remaining schedule: vs. Baylor (2/25), vs. Oklahoma State (2/28), at West Virginia (3/3)

Kansas State Wildcats, 17-10 (6-8): The Wildcats had dropped three games in a row after beating Baylor, but they were able to get on track with a road win over Texas on Saturday. Three of their last four games come against potential tournament teams, and they will need to win a couple of wins in they want to secure a spot in the Big Dance. Their 3-10 record against tournament teams is not a good thing, but they also lack bad losses.

Record vs. potential tournament teams: 3-10

Monday seed: 10 RPI: 55 SOS: 47

Bad losses: None.

Remaining schedule: vs. Oklahoma State (2/22), at Oklahoma (2/25), at TCU (3/1), vs. Texas Tech (3/4)

TCU Horned Frogs, 17-10 (6-8): TCU was once firmly in the tournament field, but that was before they dropped three straight games over the past two weeks. That being said, the Horned Frogs remain in the tournament field and can clearly see opportunity knocking with Kansas and West Virginia in their next two games. Taking just one could go a very long way.

Record vs. potential tournament teams: 4-9

Monday seed: 11 RPI: 56 SOS: 32

Bad losses: vs. Auburn

Remaining schedule: at Kansas (2/22), vs. West Virginia (2/25), vs. Kansas State (3/1), at Oklahoma (3/4)

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