Previewing Wednesday's Big 12 Conference Tournament - Predictions and Commentary

The first day of the Big 12 Tournament! Exciting times for everyone. From top seeded Kansas to 12^th seeded Nebraska, everyone's NCAA tournament hopes start here.

No. 8 Colorado vs. No. 9 Texas Tech - Big 12 Network 11:30 a.m.
Colorado is playing its best basketball of the year and just defeated Texas Tech in a high scoring affair in Boulder. While I don't see the Buffs breaking the 100-point barrier in this one, the tandem of Alec Burks and Cory Higgins will again be too much for the Red Raiders to handle. CU will take this one and face top seeded Kansas on Thursday.

No. 5 Missouri vs. No. 12 Nebraska - Big 12 Network 2:00 p.m.
Mizzou loses when its shots don't fall and their opponent capitalizes on long, sustained scoring droughts. I cannot tell you if Mizzou's shots will be dropping in this one, but what I can tell you is Nebraska isn't talented enough to capitalize if they don't. Mizzou wins and will face A&M on Thursday.

No. 7 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Oklahoma - Big 12 Network 6:00 p.m.
Two words: James Anderson. The third meeting between these bitter rivals will be one that Sooner fans will try and erase quickly out of their minds. Anderson has my vote as league MVP and will put on a show, both because it is against the cross-state enemy but more importantly because he can.

No. 6 Texas vs. No. 11 Iowa State - Big 12 Network 8:30 p.m.
The intriguing match-up of the night rounds out the day. You look at these teams on paper and think that ISU finished 11^th in conference and won only 4 conference games. Also in the back of your noggin you remember that UT was once ranked #1 in the country. Well, you can forget everything you know. ISU is coming off a huge victory in Manhattan, KS over 5^th ranked Kansas State. Texas is struggling and has lost 8 of its last 14, and lost starting PG Dogus Balbay for the season. The interior play of Dexter Pittman will be limited because of the energy he must exude to guard Clone big men Craig Brackins and Marquis Gilstrap. In every other preview I've written I always say something like "ISU is good, but will come up a wee bit short in this one." Well, I'm changing my tune here, as a good ISU team will have enough to sneak out an upset victory.

Evan Pfaff, Managing Editor
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