As we approach the final stretch of Big 12 Conference play, six men's teams have secured their spots in the NCAA Tournament. The spotlight now shifts to the elusive seventh bid, with UCF, West Virginia, TCU, and Oklahoma State all vying for that coveted position. Let’s break down the scenarios and see who might emerge victorious.
UCF Knights (18-7, 7-6)
Remaining Schedule:
- At Utah
- At BYU
- Vs.
Baylor
- Vs.
Oklahoma State
- At West Virginia
Key Opportunities:
- Quad 1: BYU, WVU
- Quad 2: Baylor, Utah, OSU
The Knights have found themselves in a precarious position, having slipped recently. With a NET ranking of 46 and records of 4-6 in Quad 1 and 4-1 in Quad 2 games, UCF needs a strong finish.
Historically, Big 12 teams with 10 non-conference wins and 20 total wins before the tournament have a stellar chance of making the NCAA Tournament. A 3-2 finish, especially with wins in both Quad 1 games, should solidify their spot.
West Virginia Mountaineers (16-10, 7-6)
Remaining Schedule:
- At TCU
- At Oklahoma State
- Vs.
BYU
- At Kansas State
- Vs. UCF
Key Opportunities:
- Quad 1: TCU, OSU, BYU
- Quad 2: UCF, Kansas State
West Virginia’s recent Quad 3 loss to Utah has put them in a tight spot. With a NET of 62, they need to capitalize on their upcoming Quad 1 opportunities.
Winning all three would boost their Quad 1 record to 7-6. A 4-1 finish is crucial, but without 10 non-conference wins, the Mountaineers have no room for error.
TCU Horned Frogs (16-10, 6-7)
Remaining Schedule:
- Vs.
West Virginia
- Vs.
Arizona State
- At Kansas State
- At Texas Tech
- Vs.
Cincinnati
Key Opportunities:
- Quad 1: Texas Tech
- Quad 2: WVU, ASU, KSU, CIN
TCU’s path is challenging, with a NET of 47 and a mixed bag of results. They need to go 4-1, focusing on Quad 2 wins, particularly since three of these games are at home.
Although their Quad 1 opportunity is limited to Texas Tech, pulling off a win there would be significant. A strong finish could make them a contender for an eighth Big 12 bid.
Oklahoma State Cowboys (16-10, 4-9)
Remaining Schedule:
- At Colorado
- Vs. West Virginia
- At Cincinnati
- At UCF
- Vs. Houston
Key Opportunities:
- Quad 1: Houston, Cincinnati, UCF, Colorado
- Quad 2: West Virginia
Despite a NET of 76 and a tough 1-7 Quad 1 record, the Cowboys have a chance to turn things around. With four Quad 1 opportunities ahead, winning three could be their ticket. A strong finish, combined with a good showing in Kansas City, might just sneak them into the tournament.
Conclusion
As these teams battle it out, the Big 12’s unique schedule could lead to some dramatic eliminations-or unexpected triumphs. Each team has a path, but it requires precision and a bit of luck. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the regular season, with every game carrying significant weight.