The Big 12 Conference is making waves in the latest bracketology update, and it's a fascinating scene for college basketball fans. Joe Lunardi's recent analysis has six Big 12 teams in the hunt for at-large bids, though there have been some intriguing shifts.
Bubble Watch
UCF remains in the Last Four Byes category, steadily moving toward a more secure spot in the tournament. They're leading this tier, and a few more wins could solidify their position.
Right behind them, the TCU Horned Frogs are holding on in the Last Four In tier. While a trip to Dayton for the play-in games isn't ideal, TCU still has a shot, which is more than some can say.
On the outside looking in, but still within striking distance, are four Big 12 teams: West Virginia, Cincinnati, Baylor, and another team that's seen a change. West Virginia and Baylor have been battling to break into the Field of 68, while Cincinnati has surged back into contention with a win streak and a big upset over Kansas.
The Big Shift
The standout change involves the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who were dropped in favor of the Arizona State Sun Devils. ASU's inclusion is surprising, given their 14-13 record and 5-9 conference standing.
However, their upset victory over No. 13 Texas Tech has caught Lunardi's attention.
As the season progresses, the question remains: can all six Big 12 teams make it into the tournament? It seems unlikely, but the fight for March madness is heating up. The Big 12 is living up to its reputation, with every game carrying weight.
With these six teams in the bubble conversation, the Big 12 is set to significantly influence the bracket's final shape in the coming weeks.