Big 12 Basketball Tournament: Kansas State, Texas Tech favored to win

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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – FEBRUARY 09: Dedric Lawson #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a shot against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse on February 09, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Bracketology: NCAA Tournament Locks

Once again the Big 12 is going to have more than half of the conference participating in the NCAA Tournament. Last season, they had three teams in the Elite Eight, including the Kansas Jayhawks making the Final Four. There are a few high seeds while others will be down lower in the 7, 8, and 9 range. These teams can change their seed lines, but they are going to be participating in the NCAA Tournament.

Texas Tech

Texas Tech is either a three or a four seed at the moment but they do have the chance to move up. They can lock up a three seed or maybe even make a run at a two seed. The teams ahead of them in are from the same conferences so they can’t all win their conference tournaments. If Texas Tech wins the Big 12 Tournament, then don’t be surprised if they get a two seed.

Kansas

The other Big 12 team in the three/four seed range is the Kansas Jayhawks. They haven’t been good recently but the resume speaks for itself. Sure, they aren’t the same team without Udoka Azubuike but the wins they got with him still have to count for something. They do still have an outside chance at a two seed as well. If they win the Big 12 Tournament, don’t be shocked if the secure a two seed, depending what goes on elsewhere.

Kansas State

The Kansas State Wildcats are likely either a four or five seed at the moment. Their path to move up isn’t as easy as Kansas and Texas Tech. Those two teams have the potential to play each other in the semifinals while Kansas State would play either Baylor or Iowa State. Those two are still quality teams but it’s not the same as beating another elite team. If they win the Big 12 Tournament they likely will be a four seed but it seems as if a three seed may be just out of their reach.

Iowa State

The Iowa State Cyclones continue to struggle and now they’re all the way down to a seven or eight seed. If they want to avoid a potential second-round matchup with a top seed then they need to win this game. If they go on a run in the Big 12 Tournament then I wouldn’t rule them out from getting a five or six seed but with the way they are playing, I wouldn’t say that’s very likely.

Baylor

The Baylor Bears have had a very impressive season. They have been playing pretty well despite a couple of recent losses. They seem to be locked into an eight/nine game in the first round unless they go on a big run. If they win the Big 12 Tournament I would guess they’re a seven seed but a six seed is possible as well.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Sooners have had an up and down season but after their recent home win over Kansas, they are in the field. They are likely a nine or ten currently but they have a very impressive resume so they could even be an eight. If they are able to pull off even one upset over Texas Tech then they are in a spot where they could become a seven or eight seed if things fall their way.

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