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Houston, Baylor Among Top Big 12 NCAAB Picks
We are weeks away from March Madness betting beginning and no conference looks stronger than the Big 12. Contenders like Houston, Baylor, and Iowa State are sure to be among people’s top NCAAB predictions in bracket pools.
With five teams ranked in the top 25, let’s take a look at the latest Big 12 happenings heading into the conference tournament.
🖐️ #Big12MBB teams ranked in this week’s @AP_Top25 pic.twitter.com/6qiMoLskXl
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 4, 2024
Baylor Threat to Win Big 12 Tournament
No. 11 Baylor is close to cracking the top 10 in the latest AP Poll. The Bears moved up four spots after their eight-point victory over No. 14 Kansas, who slid seven spots in the latest rankings.
Baylor then followed up this marquee win over the Jayhawks with another eight-point victory against Texas. The Bears close out the regular season with a road matchup against Texas Tech. Baylor sits as the No. 3 seed in the Big 12 tournament heading into the final weekend of regular season matchups.
Baylor has also been scorching hot in Las Vegas odds, going 17-9-3 against the spread (ATS). The over has hit in 16 of the Bears’ games, with the under cashing 13 times.
Houston Legitimate NCAA Tournament Contender
All No. 1 Houston did was continue to win games and keep hold of the top spot in the rankings. The Cougars were heavy favorites in road matchups against Oklahoma and UCF. Both games were close, but Houston was able to come away with a road sweep.
The Cougars will end the season with a showdown against Kansas. Houston is out for revenge after losing by 13 points at Allen Fieldhouse on Feb. 3.
A win for the Cougars would secure the No. 1 seed in next week’s Big 12 tourney. Houston is not just a Big 12 contender but among the top teams in NCAA basketball predictions today to win the title.
One. More. Week.
We take one last look at the 2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship bracket before it becomes final next weekend. pic.twitter.com/AolMIydjGq
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 4, 2024
The Cougars are listed at +160 in the latest odds to make the Final Four. Houston is second in the odds to win March Madness at +650. This is just behind UConn, who are the favorites, at +500.
Houston has not been particularly profitable at the window going 13-15-2 ATS this season. The Cougars are trending towards the under in games this season. The under has hit on 17 occasions, while the over cashed in 13 games.
Don’t Sleep on Iowa State
No. 6 Iowa State is another contender for both the Big 12 and NCAA championship. The Cyclones moved up two spots in the rankings.
Iowa State has won four straight games and eight of the team’s last nine matchups. Over the last week, the Cyclones notched wins over No. 20 BYU and UCF.
The Cyclones head to Manhattan to take on Kansas State in their final game before the Big 12 tournament begins. Iowa State has been stellar in college basketball lines, going 19-9-2 ATS. The Cyclones games have been split evenly between the over and under at 15 games each.
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Is Kansas Now Being Undervalued?
Kansas’ two straight losses plummeted the team in the AP Poll. I have been critical of the Jayhawks this season but it is worth noting the losses to Baylor and BYU were both against ranked opponents.
It is hard to tell if Kansas will benefit from going through the gauntlet known as the Big 12 schedule, or if the Jayhawks will also prove fallible in the NCAA tournament.
Another win over Houston would give fans a lot more confidence in Kansas as you fill out your bracket. The Jayhawks were able to snap their losing streak with a blowout rivalry win against Kansas State.
Kansas will not have an easy path in the Big 12 tournament. The Jayhawks are currently the No. 5 seed with one regular season game remaining.
BYU Big 12’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
BYU may be the most puzzling team in the entire Big 12. Consider the Cougars’ recent stretch of games which offers a perfect snapshot of the team this season.
BYU notched wins over Baylor and Kansas, while also recording losses to Kansas State and Oklahoma State. The Cougars have what it takes to make a deep NCAA tournament run. It would also not be a surprise if BYU sustained an early exit.
Few teams will be more interesting in championship week than seeing how the Cougars handle their inaugural Big 12 tournament.
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Questions of the Day
What are Houston’s odds to win the NCAA championship?
Houston is among the favorites to win the NCAA tournament with +650 odds.
Which team has the best chance to upset Houston in the Big 12 tournament?
Keep an eye on Baylor who is a major threat to win the Big 12 tournament.
