Big 12 Tournament 2013: Teams That Must Perform Well To Help Seeding

At least half the teams in the Big 12 are expected to get their tickets punched for the NCAA Tournament. Both Kansas schools look to be safe in the top four, but the Oklahoma schools and Iowa State will need to play well in the upcoming tournament to avoid any more sliding with bracketology experts.

Mar 6, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Marcus Smart (33) moves to the basket against the Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State beat Oklahoma State 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma State Cowboys (23-7, 13-5)

In general, Joe Lunardi from ESPN has Big 12 teams ranked higher than average. After Saturday’s win against Kansas State, Oklahoma State sits at a 4-seed on his chart. If they want to secure that position, or potentially move up to the 3-seed level, they must finish off Baylor’s attempt to make the big dance and potentially match up with Kansas State again in the semifinals.

Oklahoma Sooners (20-10, 11-7)

Yes, getting blown out for the majority of the game against TCU, and ultimately falling to give the Horned Frogs their second conference win of the season is really awful. But Oklahoma played mostly well down the stretch blowing out Iowa State and West Virginia. Before TCU, the team was 6-2 in the last eight games falling to Texas after giving up a big lead and only losing by five against Oklahoma State. Both of those losses were on the road. Currently bracketologists place the team around the 10th or 11th level. Another win over Iowa State would secure them in for sure; beating Kansas could possibly help them up to a 7-seed.

Iowa State Cyclones (21-10, 11-7)

Things have cooled off after Iowa State responded with wins over Oklahoma State and West Virginia, and most people not named Jerry Palm expect the team to make it regardless of what happens in the conference tournament. But to play it safe, or move up to a 10-seed or higher, the Cyclones must win the rubber match against the Sooners. It’s been since 2000 when this team has gone on a big run in this tournament. They need to get as much playing time in as possible away from Hilton Coliseum so they are comfortable enough without a big home crowd – even though Kansas City is considered the teams’ second home.

Follow the 2013 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament all week long on Clones Confidential.