Big 12 Tournament 2013: Semifinal Predictions

Mar 14, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) drives against Baylor Bears guard Pierre Jackson (55) in the second half during the second round of the Big 12 tournament at the Sprint Center. Oklahoma State defeated Baylor 74-72. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

It’s day three of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship. The only lower seed to advance is Iowa State as a 5-seed, but that’s obviously not that big of an upset especially with them and Oklahoma having nearly identical records.

Partied too hard after the Cyclones made their comeback and missed the rest of the quarterfinal action? Kansas and Kansas State thoroughly dominated their Texas opponents. Baylor staged a similar comeback like Iowa State had, but Pierre Jackson’s 3-point buzzer beater to win was just long and bounced off the back of the rim.

Central times listed. Numbers reflect seeding in the tournament.

(5)Iowa State vs (1)Kansas (-6) – 6:30 PM, Big 12 Network/ESPNU

Preview/prediction coming later today.

(3)Oklahoma State vs (2)Kansas State (-1) – 9:00 PM, Big 12 Network/ESPNU

Two top 15 teams will face each other for the second time in a span of a week. Both programs split the regular season with home victories.

Despite the loss in Stillwater, this is a better matchup for the Wildcats with their defense and giving up the least amount of rebounds in the Big 12. They had 17 more shot attempts because they dominated the boards offensively, but hit one less field goal than the Cowboys. They also went 8-23 from 3-point range. Ultimately, KSU only lost by six.

This should be a fantastic game, both teams take care of the ball and it’s a must watch whenever Marcus Smart is on the court. But I believe Kansas State will finish them off this time and make their case for a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Wildcats 79, Cowboys 75

Also see Big 12 Tournament Game Times, TV Schedule, and More