March Madness Update: Big 12 Contenders Are Tourney Threats
If only by sheer numbers, the Big 12 will have as good of a chance as any conference in the odds for March Madness. According to ESPN, eight Big 12 teams are “locks” to make the NCAA tournament: Houston, Kansas, Baylor, Iowa State, BYU, Texas Tech, TCU, and Texas.
The conference has a chance to have as many as ten teams in the March Madness field depending on how Oklahoma and Kansas State perform in the Big 12 tournament.
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
Let’s take a look at every Big 12 team with the March Madness schedule weeks away from tipping off.
Big Dance Bound
Houston appears to be a lock to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament regardless of how the Big 12 tourney plays out. A quick glance at the latest bracketology reports has the Cougars expecting to be the No. 1 seed in the South region.
Houston would begin the NCAAB tournament in Memphis before eventually making their way to Dallas if the Cougars can avoid an upset. The latest March Madness odds list Houston second among the title contenders at +650. The Cougars sit at +160 odds to make the Final Four.
Houston’s wins this season include victories over the following teams: Dayton, Texas Tech, BYU, Texas, Iowa State, and Baylor.
Vegas believes there is a significant gap between Houston and the next group of Big 12 contenders. Iowa State is next in our NCAAB odds at +2200 to win the title. The Cyclones sit at +400 to make the Final Four.
Iowa State is as high as a No. 2 seed in NCAA tournament projections, but it looks like No. 3 could be their floor unless the team collapses in Kansas City.
History. Magic. 18-0.#Cyclones | #C5C pic.twitter.com/zdjNvANzRq
— Iowa State Men’s Basketball (@CycloneMBB) March 8, 2024
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi is more bullish on the Cyclones putting Iowa State as a No. 2 seed in the West. CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm has the Cyclones as a No. 3 seed in the same region.
Baylor is a sneaky championship pick at +3000 in our NCAA basketball odds. The Bears are listed at +650 to make the Final Four.
Highlights from last night’s win over the Longhorns 📺#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/nwL5YIytaQ
— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) March 5, 2024
Baylor is a No. 2 seed in CBS’ projections while the Bears are one spot lower by ESPN. Both bracketologists have Baylor in the Midwest region.
BYU is projected to be a No. 5 seed. I can already see the Cougars as a popular pick to get upset in the first round.
BYU has proven they are capable of losing to anyone, while also being giant killers. The Cougars have wins over San Diego State, Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas and Texas.
BYU’s response to Kansas? More three’s…#BYUSN pic.twitter.com/iskmKHqFxI
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) February 28, 2024
Finally, ESPN projects Texas and Texas Tech to both be No. 8 seeds. Both Texas programs appear to be in the NCAA tournament, but a deep conference tourney run could boost their seeding.
Take A Look At These Other 2 NCAAB March Madness Special Articles
- ACC March Madness Update: Crowd Forming on Bubble
- Big Ten March Madness: Purdue, Illinois Set to Dance
On the Bubble
Depending on who you believe, TCU is already a lock. It is hard for me to put a No. 10 seed (per ESPN) as a lock to make the tournament. The Horned Frogs can help their case with at least one win in the Big 12 tournament.
Kansas State is still in the NCAA tournament picture, but it is hard to imagine the Wildcats making the tournament. Recent losses mean Kansas State is not even listed among the top eight teams outside the bracket.
Oklahoma is in a much better position with projections ranging in the No. 9 to No. 10 seed. Like TCU, the Sooners would greatly benefit from a win or two in Kansas City.
Wait ‘Til Next Year
The way the Big 12 bracket works, four teams will begin the conference tournament. All four programs would need to secure the automatic bid to have a chance to make March Madness.
We’re looking at you Cincinnati, UCF, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia. If playing teams close was a virtue, the Knights would be atop the list.
UCF appears to be one scorer away from being a legitimate NCAA tournament team. The Knights were still able to notch wins over Kansas, Texas, and Texas Tech this season making UCF popular at sportsbook this season.
College basketball lines are heating up. Bet on March Madness and see if you can be the champion!
Questions of the Day
How many Big 12 teams will make the NCAA tournament?
Nine Big 12 teams are currently projected to make the NCAA tournament with an outside chance for 10 programs.
Which Big 12 teams have the best chance to win the NCAA tournament?
Houston is one of the top teams in the country with +650 odds to win the national championship.
