Big 12 Saturday Basketball Preview – March 9, 2024

BIG 12 SATURDAY BASKETBALL PREVIEW – MARCH 9, 2024 – With the Big 12 Conference Tournament starting Tuesday in Kansas City, this last Saturday of games takes on special meaning for most teams. Mr. Bracketology himself, Joe Lunardi, is predicting ten schools from the Big 12 to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Remarkably all except Oklahoma are locks to make the tournament and will be playing this week to improve their seedings.

With the expanded conference tournament there are four teams vying for the double-bye and Houston and Iowa State striving for the regular season championship. Let’s see what the best conference in college basketball has in store this weekend.

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#6 Iowa State @ Kansas State

Saturday, March 9th 2:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Spread: Iowa State -4 – Total: 134

Iowa State completed an undefeated home season with a comeback, 68-63, victory over #20 BYU on Wednesday night. They have locked up the double-bye for the conference tournament and could share the Big 12 Title if Houston loses to Kansas. 

Kansas State continues to struggle in the last half of the season. Losing nine of their last 12 games, the Wildcats find themselves on the outside looking in for an invite to the NCAA Tournament. They need a victory this weekend and a run in the conference tournament to have a chance.  

Prediction: Iowa State won by 11 points in their previous matchup. The Cyclones rank 2nd in defensive efficiency and have a balanced attack on offense. In a must win game for Kansas State they come up small losing 71-62

Mitch’s Pick: Iowa State -4 and UNDER 134 

Oklahoma @ Texas

Saturday, March 9th 2:00 PM ET, ESPN

Spread: Texas -5.5 – Total: 144.5

The last Red River Rivalry game in the Big 12 features two teams both currently predicted to play in the NCAA Tournament.  Texas could be without standout player Dylan Disu who averages 19 ppg.

While Oklahoma has struggled this past month they did escape with a slim, 74-71, win in overtime against Cincinnati on Tuesday. A couple losses in a row could be devastating for the Sooners tournament chances. 

Prediction:  Texas, even without Disu, bounces back after a tough loss to Baylor last week with a 79-68 victory. 

Mitch’s Pick: Texas -5.5 and OVER 144.5

#14 Kansas @ #1 Houston

Saturday, March 9th 4:00 PM ET, ESPN

Spread: Houston -8.5 – Total: 136

Houston can win the regular season Big 12 title with a victory over Kansas on Saturday. With both teams firmly cemented in the NCAA Tournament it’s all about seeding for that and their conference tournament.

With a win Kansas can secure a top-four seed and the coveted double-bye. Kansas did beat Houston in their first matchup, 78-65, but the Cougars have gone undefeated since their February 3rd matchup. The Jayhawk’s starting five can hang with any team in the nation. But they are thin on the bench which has been their Achilles heal all season. 

Prediction: Houston extends their winning streak and finishes first in the Big 12. L.J. Cryer has scored over 20 points in three consecutive games and will shine on Saturday. The Cougars win 71-62  

Mitch’s Pick: Houston -8.5 and UNDER 136

BIG 12 QUICK PICKS

West Virginia @ Cincinnati

Saturday, March 9th 2:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Spread: WVU +11 – Total: 146.5

Mitch’s Pick: Cincinnati -11 

UCF @ TCU

Saturday, March 9th 5:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Spread: UCF +8 – Total: 142.5

Mitch’s Pick: TCU -8

#11 Baylor @ Texas Tech

Saturday, March 9th 6:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Spread: Baylor +2 – Total: 147.5

Mitch’s Pick: Baylor +2 

Oklahoma State @ #20 BYU

Saturday, March 9th 9:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Spread: OK. State +13.5 – Total: 152.5

Mitch’s Pick: Over 152.5