Big 12 Men’s Basketball Saturday Preview

BIG 12 MEN’S BASKETBALL SATURDAY PREVIEW – Despite taking an extra day to get here, we finally made it to the month of March madness. Every Big 12 men’s basketball game played on Saturday has tournament implications.

With the potential for ten teams to make the NCAA Tournament it’s safe to say the Big 12 is the deepest conference in college basketball.

The Houston Cougars are in a prime position to land a No. 1 seed as they finish the regular season with the Oklahoma Sooners, UCF Knights and Kansas at home. This loaded conference features Kansas and Iowa State in the top-ten AP rankings with Baylor at #15. Let’s break down this week’s top matchups and make some predictions!

#7 Kansas Jayhawks @ #15 Baylor Bears

Saturday, March 2nd 1:00 PM ET, ABC

Spread: Baylor -4.5    Total: 146.5

With both teams three games behind Houston for the conference regular season title, it’s unlikely they will catch the Cougars.

There is much to play for as both teams look to finish in the top four to secure the double-bye for the conference tournament in Kansas City.

The Jayhawks have been inconsistent this season and are fresh off a rare home loss, 76-68, to BYU. Baylor had an impressive road victory over TCU on Monday, 62-54, which moved them into a tie for third in the conference with Kansas. 

Prediction: In their first meeting the Jayhawks barely escaped with a 64-61 home victory. This week Baylor returns the favor with a 78-71 victory to cover the spread and hit the over. 

Mitch’s Pick: Baylor -4.5   OVER 146.5

#8 Iowa State @ UCF

Saturday, March 2nd 3:00 PM CT, ESPN+

Spread: Iowa State -3.5    Total: 133.5

Iowa State has one of the best defenses in the country. While the offense can tend to struggle at times it should have no issues against UCF. The Cyclones have a chance to win the conference sitting one game back from Houston.

The Knights picked up a nice road win against Oklahoma State this week, but Iowa State is in a different class. 

Prediction:  I expect the Cyclones defense to smother TCU leading to a 66-49 victory to beat the spread and hit the over. 

Mitch’s Pick: Iowa State -3.5 and OVER 133.5

#1 Houston @ Oklahoma

Saturday, March 2nd 7:00 PM CT, ESPN2

Spread: Houston -5.5    Total: 128.5

Houston is on a mission to secure first place in the Big 12 conference after a 67-59 win over Cincinnati. The Sooners only scored 45 points in a loss against Iowa State this week.

Houston has won six consecutive games and have Iowa State only a game behind for the conference lead. The Cougars play with urgency and while Oklahoma can keep this game close, they won’t. 

Prediction: The Cougars stay on course and extend the winning streak to seven with a 66-57 victory – covering the spread and the over.  

Mitch’s Pick: Houston -5.5 and the OVER 128.5

BIG 12 QUICK PICKS

TCU @ BYU

Saturday, March 2nd 8:00 PM CT, ESPN+

Spread: TCU +4.5    Total: 159

Mitch’s Pick: BYU -4.5 and the UNDER 159

Texas Tech @ West Virginia

Saturday, March 2nd 5:00 PM CT, ESPN2

Spread: Texas Tech -3.5    Total: 150

Mitch’s Pick: Texas Tech -3.5 and the OVER 150

Kansas State @ Cincinnati

Saturday, March 2nd 6:00 PM CT, ESPN+

Spread: Kansas St +7   Total: 140.5

Mitch’s Pick: Kansas St. +7 and the UNDER 140.5

Oklahoma State @ Texas

Saturday, March 2nd 1:00 PM CT, ESPN2

Spread: OK. State +9.5    Total: 145.5

Mitch’s Pick: Texas -9.5 and the OVER 145.5