As the college basketball season races toward its thrilling conclusion, the Kansas Jayhawks find themselves on the brink of clinching a regular-season title. Under the guidance of Bill Self, a victory over Arizona this Saturday could set the stage for an exciting finish. But beyond the regular season, the potential for a Big 12 Tournament title looms large, with significant implications for their NCAA Tournament seeding.
Already a lock for the Big Dance, Kansas has its eyes on improving its position, potentially shifting from a three-seed to a two-seed with a strong tournament showing. The Jayhawks, with a storied history of success, are aiming to capture their first Big 12 Tournament title since 2022. They've been the dominant force in the conference with 12 championships to date.
The tournament action will unfold in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center, offering a convenient backdrop for both Kansas and Kansas State. While proximity might seem advantageous, history shows it doesn't guarantee an edge on the court.
Mark your calendars for March 10 through March 14, as the Big 12 Tournament promises a packed schedule of high-stakes matchups. Here’s a breakdown of how the seeding will play out:
First Round: Tuesday, March 10
Session 1
- Game 1: No. 12 seed vs.
No. 13 seed, ESPN+, 11:30 a.m. CT
- Game 2: No. 9 seed vs. No. 16 seed, ESPN+, 2 p.m.
CT
Session 2
- Game 3: No. 10 seed vs.
No. 15 seed, ESPN+, 6:00 p.m. CT
- Game 4: No. 11 seed vs. No. 14 seed, ESPN+, 8:30 p.m.
CT
Second Round: Wednesday, March 11
Session 3
- Game 5: No. 5 seed vs.
Game 1 winner, ESPN/2, 11:30 a.m. CT
- Game 6: No. 8 seed vs. Game 2 winner, ESPNU, 2:00 p.m.
CT
Session 4
- Game 7: No. 7 seed vs.
Game 3 winner, ESPNU, 6:30 p.m. CT
- Game 8: No. 6 seed vs. Game 4 winner, ESPN/2, 8:30 p.m.
CT
Quarterfinals: Thursday, March 12
Session 5
- Game 9: No. 4 seed vs.
Game 5 winner, ESPN/2, 11:30 a.m. CT
- Game 10: No. 1 seed vs. Game 6 winner, ESPN/2, 2:00 p.m.
CT
Session 6
- Game 11: No. 2 seed vs.
Game 7 winner, ESPN/2, 6:00 p.m. CT
- Game 12: No. 3 seed vs. Game 8 winner, ESPN/2, 8:30 p.m.
CT
Semifinals: Friday, March 13
Session 7
- Game 13: Game 9 winner vs.
Game 10 winner, ESPN/2, 6:00 p.m. CT
- Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, ESPN/2, 8:30 p.m.
CT
Final: Saturday, March 14
Session 8
- Game 15: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, ESPN, 5:00 p.m.
As the Jayhawks prepare for this crucial stretch, fans can expect a blend of high-octane basketball and strategic prowess. Whether they can translate their regular-season success into tournament glory remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Kansas is poised to make some noise.