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The stage is set for the 2016 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Kansas City. Here, HornSports’ Chris Flanagan breaks down his tournament predictions.
The Favorite
Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks are on a hot streak and it seems like they cannot be stopped. An 11 game winning streak and essentially a home court advantage when they play makes them the favorite to win the Big 12 tournament. Not to mention that Kansas has won 9 tournament titles and hasn't won it since 2013.
Darkhorse
Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners are set up nicely for at least a Big 12 tournament championship appearance. They split the season series with Iowa State and they swept West Virginia during the regular season (assuming the Mountaineers can get past their Quarterfinal opponent). Then (assuming things fall into place), they would play Kansas who the Sooners played well against in the regular season. It wouldn't be a shock to see the Oklahoma Sooners hoisting the Big 12 championship trophy on Sunday.
Upset potential?
Texas Tech over West Virginia
Texas Tech is a clear bubble team. While their bubble is much stronger than other teams given their #1 ranked strength of schedule, it's still tenuous at best. However, a win over the Mountaineers will secure Texas Tech's bid into the NCAA tournament. This will be a fun game to watch.
Flanagan's prediction of the Big 12 tournament
Wednesday
Kansas State over Oklahoma State
The Wildcats are an average team and the Cowboys are just trying to end their season with some dignity. Kansas State has a shot at the CBI tournament but that likely won't save Bruce Weber's job. However, he will have at least a Big 12 tournament win to add to his average resume. This might be the "who can stay on the job longer for one more day" game.
Texas Tech over TCU
Texas Tech must beat TCU to stay off the bubble. TCU will put up a fight but end their season on a losing note (which will end Trent Johnson's tenure at TCU).
Thursday
Texas over Baylor
This one could go either way depending on which Texas team shows up against the Bears. The Longhorns will look at tape from the last time the two teams matched-up and improve on mistakes from the loss. Shaka Smart will have his playmakers ready and the ‘Horns will notch the win.
Kansas over Kansas State
The dagger for Bruce Weber's career will be from his in-state counterpart. This game won't be close.
Texas Tech over West Virginia
The first upset will happen at this point. West Virginia must be a good team to finish 2nd in the conference, but I have not seen anything elite from this team. This will ensure the Red Raiders' place in the NCAA tournament.
Oklahoma over Iowa State (barely)
Iowa State fans will fill the arena and likely could upset the Sooners easily. However, the Sooner seniors will be focused on the task at hand and will handle the hostile environment.
Friday
Kansas over Texas
While Shaka Smart has rejuvenated the Texas fanbase, there is no substitute for the lack of size in the low post. Perry Ellis will continue to destroy the Longhorn defense and Kansas will walk into the championship game.
Oklahoma over Texas Tech
Sorry Red Raiders, I can't see a way you beat Oklahoma especially after beating them by two points just a few weeks ago.
Championship Game
Kansas over Oklahoma
The Jayhawks will continue their hot streak and enter the NCAA tournament on a high note after beating Oklahoma. However, bad news for the Jayhawks. 3 out of the last 4 national champions did not win their conference tournament.
Big 12 Tournament Winner: Kansas Jayhawks
Complete Big 12 Tournament Bracket
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