Two games. Four ranked teams. One crappy TV network.
Let the Big 12 Final Four begin.
My dream is a 50-50 Sprint Center tomorrow — half blue Hawk and half purple Cat.
Yeah, it probably will be closer to 70-30, but a guy can dream, can't he?
Of course, we both have to survive pesky Texas teams first, so don't count your Jayhawks before they're hatched and don't look a gift Wildcat in the mouth.
Sagarin Predictions
- No. 1 Kansas 67, No. 4 Texas A&M 61 (6 p.m.)
- No. 2 Kansas State 90, No. 3 Baylor 89 (8:20 p.m.)
Both of today's games will appear on the Big 12 Network — unfortunately.
Baylor is going to be very difficult to beat a second time.
Last time, we held LaceDarius Dunn and Ekpe Udoh to 17 combined points. That will be extremely difficult to duplicate.
The first game got into the 80s, and that was without Denis Clemente shooting particularly well. I think this will be even more of a track meet.
But I have faith in the Cats to get it done, even though the Bears will want revenge just as badly as we did last night.
I just think this tournament is destined for a Sunflower Showdown (Part 3) title game. Plus, the crowd will be heavily in our favor tonight.
Should be fun. If you can get up here and you don't have tickets yet, please try. We can't let the Hawks take the place over.
Yesterday's Results
- No. 1 Kansas 80, No. 9 Texas Tech 68
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No. 4 Texas A&M 70, No. 12 Nebraska 64
- No. 2 Kansas State 83, No. 7 Oklahoma State 64
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No. 3 Baylor 86, No. 6 Texas 67
Well, this tournament certainly is more chalky than last year's, and I don't just mean Rock Chalky.
Despite assertions to the contrary, I think there is a small gap between the three 11-5 teams that secured byes and the teams behind them that still will be in the NCAA Tournament.
Yeah, Mizzou finished 10-6, but the Tigers were somewhat lucky to beat us and easily could have been 9-7 like the other two. Plus, look no further than their performance two days ago to see why they're not on the same level this season — especially without Justin Safford.
What it all adds up to is this: Tonight's games should be the best two of the tournament yet, since KU and K-State finally will meet up with worthy opponents.
But I still think Baylor and Texas A&M are a slight notch below the top two (remember, K-State really should have been 12-4, if not for that inexplicable Senior Night stumble), and I expect that to play out tonight.