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The guys at WRNL put together some Big 12 Tournament bracket predictions, and thought it would be fun to put our own out as action is about to tip. Let us know in the comments you have winning the whole thing.
Here's my bracket:
First Round (Wed)
(8) KANSAS STATE vs (9) TCU
This game has certainly gotten more interesting since the season has gone on. After upsetting the Cowboys mid February, TCU said why not K-State too, and shocked the wildcats the very next game. I'd like to see TCU get a tourney win, but EMAW Nation get's their revenge here. TCU has lost the momentum they had, and K-State has shown they still have some fight in them.
Winner: Kansas State
(7) TEXAS vs (10) TEXAS TECH
Maybe the only lock of the tournament. Texas has been hot and cold, but the Red Raiders have just been cold. Ice cold, and not in the Kevin-Durant-three-at-the-
Winner: Texas
Quarterfinals (Thu)
(4) BAYLOR vs (5) WEST VIRGINIA
Baylor is the sexy pick here. No one is playing better than the bears right now, and they swept the Mountaineers in the regular season. However, beating any team three times, let alone the 18th best team in the country, is extremely tough to do. The Bears are a difficult for WVU to match up with though, and even though I think WVU gives Baylor everything they want, the team from Waco spends another night in Kansas City.
Winner: Baylor
(1) KANSAS vs (8) KANSAS STATE
There won't be an empty seat in the Sprint Center for this one. It's going to be rowdy. Don't let the seeding fool you. This in-state rivalry is going to be a dogfight. The Wildcats will have won three of their last four games going into this, which includes a win over Kansas. The Jayhawks will be out for revenge after dropping the late February matchup in Manhattan, KS though, and I expect them to get the win here.
Winner: Kansas
(2) IOWA STATE vs (7) TEXAS
The Longhorns could make this game interesting, and Iowa State won't be playing with Hilton magic. A win here by the longhorns would all but cement the their berth into the NCAA tournament as well. The Cyclones swept Texas during the regular season though, and provide a difficult matchup for the Longhorns. If Iowa State can get baskets to drop early they'll advance.
Winner: Iowa State
(3) OKLAHOMA vs (6) OKLAHOMA STATE
If the Cowboys get off to the same slow start that's plagued them all season, this one could get ugly. The Sooners swept Bedlam, and Oklahoma State ended the regular season in a tailspin. Winning just one of their last six games. I hate to say it, but OU wins easily.
Winner: Oklahoma
Semifinals (Fri)
(4) BAYLOR vs (1) KANSAS
It's Unbelievable that it's taken me this long to pick an upset, but here it is. As I said, the Bears are playing great going into the tournament, and I think the Jayhawks will find that the Bears are up for the challenge against what's sure to be a hostile crowd.
Winner: Baylor
(2) IOWA STATE vs (3) OKLAHOMA
It took awhile to get the first upset, but now the heavy weights are throwing down, and it's anyone's tournament. Oklahoma is playing well with just two losses since late January. One of those losses came just nine days ago to Iowa State though in Ames, IA. This time around though they're on neutral ground - well kind of - and Oklahoma get's their revenge.
Winner: Oklahoma
Final (Sat)
(3) OKLAHOMA vs (4) BAYLOR
After two semifinal upsets the tournament is going to come down between the Sooners and the Bears. Baylor swept OU in the regular season, but as I said, that third win is awfully hard to get. So who's the winner......?
The Big 12 Refs
Seriously, did anyone expect them not to make an appearance in the tournament? If there's a spotlight to be seen, they at least have to get a foot in it. Okay, a leg... At least half their torso needs to be in the light. Let's just be honest, they want to be front and center, jumping up and down, and shouting 'Hey everyone, come see how good I look!'
Robert Whetsell's Bracket
First Round (Wed)
(8) KANSAS STATE vs (9) TCU
Both teams suck.
Winner: Nobody Cares
(7) TEXAS vs (10) TEXAS TECH
Barnes will definitely be gone before Ford. Maybe...
Winner: Nobody Cares
Quarterfinals (Thu)
(4) BAYLOR vs (5) WEST VIRGINIA
Can I ask one small favor of you, Huggy?
Winner: Everyone, if Baylor loses...
(1) KANSAS vs (8) KANSAS STATE
Hahaha...no.
Winner: Big 12 Refs (ie: Kansas)
(2) IOWA STATE vs (7) TEXAS
The Mayor for President.
Winner: Cheap lite beer and questionable field goal rulings. (ie: Iowa State)
(3) OKLAHOMA vs (6) OKLAHOMA STATE
Nothing says "Oklahoma State Men's Basketball" right now better than a 5th straight loss to these guys.
Winner: The better coach (if you need a hint, I can't help you)
Semifinals (Fri)
(4) BAYLOR vs (1) KANSAS
This is known as a "crossroads," where you must choose even though you don't like the options
Winner: Lesser of two evils (ie: Kansas)
(2) IOWA STATE vs (3) OKLAHOMA
Another no-win scenario where the only options are: 1...Cyclones lose after making a last-second shot that Big 12 refs rule didn't actually go in the basket. 2...OU loses when, after Iowa State misses a late shot for the lead, Bob Stoops decides to give Iowa State another chance to miss;
Winner: Doesn't matter, because the winner has to play Kansas...see what I did there?
Final (Sat)
WHOEVER vs (1) KANSAS
Big 12 refs + Jayhawks = CHAMPIONSHIP
Glad that's over with. Now I can focus on the "Travis Ford One and Done Express." All aboard.