Big 12 Basketball Saturday: Key Takeaways
This past Saturday was a basketball bonanza in the Big 12, with all 16 men’s teams and six women’s teams hitting the court. The excitement was amplified by the NCAA Tournament committee's release of its Top 16 seeds, placing the Big 12 squarely in the spotlight.
A Top 25 showdown between Arizona and Houston added to the drama. Let’s dive into the day’s major takeaways.
Seeding Day Insights
The NCAA's early reveal of its Top 16 seeds provided a glimpse into the current tournament landscape. Notably, Iowa State and Arizona secured the coveted number one seed positions.
1️⃣ Seeds:
- Michigan
- Duke
- Arizona
- Iowa State
Iowa State's recent victory over Houston was rightly rewarded, placing them on the top seed line. Houston followed as a No. 2 seed, with Kansas and Texas Tech at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Texas Tech's drop was attributed to JT Toppin’s injury, highlighting how injuries can impact seeding decisions.
The games on Saturday offered further clarity. Iowa State stumbled against BYU, losing 79-69, with AJ Dybansta leading the charge for the Cougars. This loss could shake up their top seed status.
Arizona, meanwhile, solidified its position with a 73-66 victory over Houston. This win marked their third triumph over AP Top-3 opponents this season, a feat only matched by Kansas in 2011-12. With remaining games against Kansas and Iowa State, Arizona's path to a 30-win season looks promising for maintaining a No. 1 seed.
Houston and Kansas remain strong contenders, though Kansas suffered a surprising 84-68 defeat to Cincinnati. The upcoming clash between Houston and Kansas is set to be a high-stakes encounter.
Texas Tech’s dominant 100-72 win over Kansas State should keep them steady on the No. 4 line. Donovan Atwell’s record-breaking season continues to impress, with his three-point shooting prowess making headlines.
Bubble Watch
As the tournament approaches, teams on the bubble are fighting for every win. Here’s how some of those teams fared:
- UCF: The Knights edged out Utah with a 73-71 victory, bringing them closer to a tournament berth. They need to maintain momentum to secure their spot.
- TCU and West Virginia: TCU took down West Virginia 60-54, keeping their tournament hopes alive.
Both teams are battling to reach 20 wins, crucial for their NCAA aspirations.
- Oklahoma State: A loss to Colorado, 83-69, likely dashed the Cowboys' tournament hopes. Their conference record might be their undoing, reminiscent of Oklahoma’s narrow entry in 2017-18.
- Cincinnati: The Bearcats’ impressive 84-68 victory over Kansas turned heads, marking Kansas' largest home loss to an unranked team in over five decades. Cincinnati’s winning streak could put them in the tournament conversation if they continue this form.
Colorado Women on a Roll
The Colorado Buffaloes women's team is on a tear, boasting a five-game winning streak, including victories over ranked opponents. Their latest win, a 75-68 triumph over No.
20 Texas Tech, pushed them to 20 wins for the season. This success might move them off the bubble and secure a more stable tournament position.
Colorado is now tied for fourth in the Big 12, positioned for a favorable seed in the conference tournament. Head coach JR Payne has exceeded expectations, guiding the Buffaloes to a standout season after being picked ninth in the preseason poll.
Saturday's action in the Big 12 was a thrilling preview of the intensity and unpredictability that March Madness promises. With every game carrying significant weight, the path to the NCAA Tournament is heating up.