MU, K-State, KU Start Conference Tournaments
By Ben Nielsen
Mar 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward Thomas Gibson (42) reaches for a loose ball against Baylor Bears guard A.J. Walton (22) during the first half of the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament at the Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS vs. TEXAS TECH
When: 2 p.m.
TV: ESPN 2
Line: Kansas -21, O/U 133.5
KenPom: Kansas 82, Texas Tech 56 (98%)
vs. Texas Tech: KU 2-0 (Jan. 12, 60-46; Mar. 4, 79-42)
Ten days from running the Red Raiders out of the gym in Lawrence, Kansas will take on Texas Tech in Kansas City for their Big 12 tournament opener.
We’ve already seen spirited efforts around the country from the basement dwelling teams in the various conferences, so it shouldn’t be surprising to people if Texas Tech makes this game a little be harder for the Jayhawks than fans would like. Still, Kansas is the far better team in this matchup and they should pull away to a comfortable victory.
Should Kansas win they will play the winner of Oklahoma and Iowa State. It is unknown who would officiate at ISU-KU re-match.
Prediction: Kansas 77, Texas Tech 67
Mar 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward Thomas Gibson (42) reaches for a loose ball against Baylor Bears guard A.J. Walton (22) during the first half of the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament at the Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS STATE vs. TEXAS
When: 6 p.m.
TV: KCMI (Ch. 38)
Line: Kansas State -8, O/U 131
KenPom: Kansas State 67, Texas 61 (73%)
vs. Texas: KSU 2-0 (Jan. 30, 83-57; Feb. 23, 81-69)
Kansas State has a tough road if they want to win the Big 12 tournament championship, having to run through a renewed Texas team and potentially Oklahoma State and Kansas. If the Wildcats are able to make it through those teams, they should be considered for a two seed in the NCAA tournament.
Texas will not be an easy out with Myck Kabongo back in the fold and the Longhorns fighting for any resemblance of a postseason berth, NIT or CBI. Kabongo is the potential game changer for Texas as he has averaged 15.8 points and 5.3 assists per game since his return from suspension. Texas is 6-3 in those nine games.
Prediction: Kansas State 65, Texas 58.
Mar 5, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Phil Pressey (1) and Missouri Tigers forward Alex Oriakhi (42) prepare to enter the court to face the Arkansas Razorbacks at Mizzou Arena. The Missouri Tigers defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 93-63. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
MISSOURI vs. TEXAS A&M
When: 9 p.m.
TV: KSMO (Ch. 62)
Line: Missouri -9, O/U 131.5
KenPom: Missouri 71, Texas A&M 61 (81%)
vs. Texas A&M: TAMU 1-0 (Feb. 7, 70-68)
Good news: Missouri is not on the road. Bad news: Missouri is not at home.
Missouri is 3-1 in neutral site games, which should leave one with a more reassured feeling about the Tigers chances this week in Nashville. The bracket sets up in such a way that Missouri will be playing teams they have had success against, so even though they enter the tournament as a six seed they have to be considered a contender to win the SEC tournament title.
The Aggies are led by Elston Turner and Fabyon Harris, who each have very efficient offensive games. Harris is shooting 43.9% from three and Turner can cause a lot of damage in the paint even though he is only 6-5.
Rebounding will be huge in this game for Mizzou. If they can control the boards and be as efficient on offense as they can be, the Tigers should be able to advance to the quarterfinals without an issue.
Should Missouri win they will play Ole Miss tomorrow night.
Prediction: Missouri 79, Texas A&M 72