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The bracket is set. It’s time for Big 12 country to direct it’s attention to Kansas City.
As is the case most years, the Kansas Jayhawks have secured the No. 1 seed. Just behind the Jayhawks you will find worthy contenders West Virginia, Baylor, and Iowa State looking to hoist the championship trophy Saturday evening. Of course, there is no counting out a red hot Oklahoma State team that won 10 of it’s last 13 games to close out the season.
Here are the final standings.
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The top six seeds receive a first-round bye. Tonight's action tips off at 6:00 pm with TCU and OU opening tournament play. The prize for a first round win is a match up against KU in the quarterfinals. The Red Raiders will play the late game tonight against the Longhorns and No. two seed West Virginia awaits the winner of this one. The Tech game will tip 30 minutes after the completion of TCU/OU. Assuming no overtime, tip off should be around 8:30 pm.
This is the bracket or you can view it here:
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What’s at stake for the teams of the Big 12
Kansas, West Virginia, Baylor, Iowa State, Oklahoma State
The top five teams in the conference are all locks for the NCAA Tourney. A loss by any of them would likely result in higher seeding for the big dance. As it stands now Kansas will be a No. 1 seed, but do not count Baylor out of they win the championship on Saturday.
Kansas State
The Wildcats will be fighting for their NCAA Tourney lives this week. They need to at least beat Baylor tomorrow and probably whoever they would play in the semi finals too. Lose against Baylor and the NIT will be a certainty.
TCU, Texas Tech
One can argue TCU and Texas Tech have a puncher’s chance at winning the conference tournament and securing the automatic bid. Winning it all is the only way either school can avoid the NIT.
Oklahoma, Texas
Currently Oklahoma and Texas will not be playing any post season basketball. That fact should not change after after this weekend. Both teams are capable of winning a game or two this week, but that will be all.