Previewing the Week in Big 12 Basketball... and Mizzou Waxing Poetic

Monday, February 15

(1) Kansas at Texas A&M - 8pm CST ESPN

The only Big 12 team hotter than Texas A&M right now is their Monday night opponent, Kansas. And while Texas A&M has confidence and home court advantage, Kansas is just a better team and will win this one by double digits.

Tuesday, February 16

Texas Tech at (24) Baylor - 7pm CST ESPN 360

Baylor won on Saturday by 2. Tech lost on Saturday by 2. Both close games. This one won't be though as the Bear Pitt claws into the psyche of the Red Raiders and helps Baylor on to victory.

Wednesday, February 17

Nebraska at (9) Kansas St - 6pm CST ESPN 360

If you have been watching Big 12 basketball this year you know how tough K-State is, especially at home. Likewise you know how bad Nebraska is, regardless of where they are playing. In this one the Corn will be shucked.

Oklahoma St at Iowa St - 7pm CST ESPN 360

Intriguing match-up. James Anderson's interior-exterior play vs Craig Brackins and Marquis Gilstrap's interior-exterior play. As I have always said, if you can contain Anderson you will beat the Cowboys. The Cyclones will be successful in that feat, at least as successful as one team can be in containing Anderson, and will make the home crowd happy.

(14) Texas at Missouri - 8pm CST ESPN2

As of Monday, these two teams were tied for fourth place in the conference, which should surprise fans of both teams. While Texas headed into the season atop most conference polls, the Tigers were picked seventh in the league by conference coaches. At home Mizzou is tough to beat, and the Horns have shown vulnerability of late. I'll take the home team in front of a national audience as Zaire Taylor lives up to the Big Shot moniker once again.

Oklahoma at Colorado - 7pm MST ESPNU

As of Monday it is unclear whether Willie Warren or Tiny Gallon will be playing against the Buffs. Given the altitude and CU's ability to get up and down the floor, an out-of-shape Gallon will have less of an impact on the game as Warren would, but his size is definitely something to be considered, if utilized correctly. But in front of a raucous Coors Events center crowd (tongue supplanted in cheek) the Buffs pull off the mild upset.

... and for everyone's entertainment, here's Zaire "Big Shot" Taylor with Kim English waxing poetic.