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The No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowgirls return to Gallagher-Iba Arena tonight as they take on the struggling Kansas Jayhawks. Despite Kansas's conference record, they are in a rebuilding year with a new coaching staff and trying to go in a new direction. They almost pulled an upset against No. 23 Oklahoma in Lawrence, but the Sooners squeaked by. Here is tonight's quick preview and my projections/thoughts of what the final Big 12 standings will look like before next week's Big 12 Tournament.
Know the Opponent: Kansas Jayhawks (5-21, 0-15)
- Under new head coach, Brandon Schneider. He was the former head coach of Stephen F. Austin before arriving at Kansas.
- Kansas is ranked fifth in conference for three-pointers
- Player to Watch for: Lauren Aldridge averages 10 points per game, Caelynn Manning Allen is the team leader in rebounds, averaging about five rebounds per game. Timeka O'Neal leads the team in three-point shooting with 40 percent.
Projected Final Big 12 Standings
1. Baylor: No surprise
2. Texas: Very athletic and have length to compete, but almost been beat a couple of times.
3. Oklahoma State: The surprise team that was suppose to finish eighth, but now has a chance to finish in third or fourth. There will possibly be a tie for third with West Virginia and Oklahoma, but the Cowgirls may have an advantage because of rankings. Have the ability to possibly be the host of a tournament site, but it won't be easy without winning out the rest of the schedule.
4. West Virginia: Possibly a tiebreaker with Oklahoma State, but the Cowgirls will probably have the advantage because of RPI and quality wins unless they beat them at Morgantown on Saturday.
5. Oklahoma: Tie breaker as well and can win out the rest of regular season games, but OSU has the advantage in the tiebreaker rule due to the sweep of Bedlam. To be honest... Oklahoma has been mediocre and impressed me with their upset win over Texas that probably saved their season. Other than that though, it's been average.
6. Kansas State: On the verge of getting an NCAA Tournament bid and has been on a roll.
7. TCU
8. Iowa State: Cyclones are usually a good team, but are having a disappointing year.
9. Texas Tech
10. Kansas: Young team with a new coaching staff. Never thought I would see last place for Kansas especially in basketball.