Big 12 men’s basketball picks: Week six weekend predictions

Dec 1, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) points against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lots of interesting neutral-site games are taking place today around the first fully-fledged college basketball Saturday. The question is, are there any Big 12 teams that will be in danger today? Clones Confidential’s Brian Spaen and Brian Voss predict what will happen over the entire weekend.

Iowa State kicked things off with a victory against Iowa on Friday night. We’ll find out if the Big 12 can go undefeated as predicted.

Central times are listed with TV network listed afterwards (when available). Rankings reflect latest USA Today Coaches Poll.

Louisiana Tech (8-2) vs (9)Oklahoma State (8-1) – Saturday, 1:00 PM (ESPNU)

Voss: Oklahoma State is 12-1 with a lone loss to a then 21st ranked Memphis team. Louisiana Tech is 8-2, but this will be their first real team. Cowboys will win this game. Oklahoma St

Tulsa (3-6) at Oklahoma (8-1) – Saturday, 4:00 PM (FSN)

Spaen: The Sooners are a secret-good team that no one is talking about. Their only loss came at a neutral-site game against Michigan State and they’ve been dominating their lesser opponents. The Golden Hurricane fall into that category unless they still continue their success from 3-point range and in the second half – they’re hitting at 56.5 percent from the field in their last two wins in the final 20 minutes. However, I expect OU to pul it out at home and win their 13th of last 14 meetings against them. Oklahoma

Nov 21, 2013; Charleston, SC, USA; New Mexico Lobos head coach Craig Neal yells at a referee during the second half against the UAB Blazers at TD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

New Mexico (7-1) vs (13)Kansas (6-3) – Saturday, 6:00 PM (ESPN2)

Voss: A talented Kansas squad is only 6-3. New Mexico is 7-1 in head coach Craig Neal’s first season. Kansas needs to get out early in this one and they’ll be fine. I’ll take Kansas in a close game. Kansas

West Virginia (6-4) vs Marshall (4-5) – Saturday, 6:30 PM

Voss: West Virginia is only 6-4, but all their losses have come to major conference schools or Gonzaga. They have generally handled mid-major opponents and they’ll be able to do the same against Marshall. West Virginia

Texas State (3-6) at Texas (8-1) – Saturday, 7:00 PM (LHN)

Spaen: It’s incredible how the Longhorns are still undefeated with all their close calls, and the only loss was to a solid BYU squad. Like Tulsa, Texas State has been a bad team but have found a way to win from the perimeter; they have made 25 of their 55 total 3-pointers over the last three games. Unless they get hot again, their offense ranks 309th nationally in points scored and Texas should kill them on the boards – the Bobcats are 289th nationally in rebounding. It’s an easy win that no one will talk about because nobody gets the Longhorn Network. Texas

Central Arkansas (2-4) at Texas Tech (6-3) – Sunday, 1:00 PM (FSSW+)

Spaen: The Bears have not been competitive in their last three losses, not being able to break over 57 points. Jalen Jackson, who leads the team with 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, will be the player to watch for UCA. But Texas Tech’s defense should handle this game with ease. Texas Tech

Texas-Pan American (4-7) at TCU (5-3) – Sunday, 1:00 PM (FSSW)

Voss: TCU is probably better than they were last season, but still not very good. Luckily for them Texas-Pan American is only 4-7 in head coach Dan Hipsher’s first year at the helm. TCU wins a close game. TCU

Troy (4-3) at Kansas State (6-3) – Sunday, 5:00 PM (FSN)

Spaen: Well, Troy is one of two teams that lost to Central Arkansas this year. Their defense is not very good, giving up an average of 41.1 rebounds per game. KSU should have no problems taking this one. Kansas St