College basketball picks: Big 12 and other top 25 predictions for January 25th

Here are the Big 12 and top 25 picks in college basketball for Saturday, January 25th. Lead editor Brian Spaen, staff writer Brian Voss, and HMCC host Brad LaFratte all put in their predictions for select games.

Feb 9, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward Thomas Gipson (42) tries to move against Iowa State Cyclones forward Georges Niang (31) during the Wildcats

Big 12 games

(22)Kansas State (14-5) at (16)Iowa State (14-3) – 12:45 PM CT, TV: Big 12 Network

Spaen: The Wildcats have become one of the best defensive teams in the Big 12, holding opponents to just 60.3 points and 10.6 assists per game, along with a 39.9 field goal percentage. All of those rank in the top 50 nationally. They have allowed the least amount of 3-point shots made in the conference, but opponents have also attempted the least amount against them. If the Cyclones want to gain the edge, they must make their perimeter shots along with the effort they showed on the glass in their last outing. I think Iowa State finally breaks the losing streak at home. Iowa State (LaFratte and Voss also pick ISU)

Texas (15-4) at (24)Baylor (13-5) – 12:45 PM CT, TV: Big 12 Network

Voss: Texas has been much better than expected this year and impressive during Big 12 play. The Longhorns are an impressive rebounding team and that will continue. Baylor is one of the more talented teams in the conference and were impressive at times in a 10 point loss at Kansas. Baylor will win this game in a close contest. Texas

West Virginia (11-8) at (11)Oklahoma State (15-3) – 1:00 PM CT, TV: ESPN2

Spaen: It’s been a week since the Cowboy’s emotional 2-point loss against Kansas. Marcus Smart’s become public enemy number one since his flop resulted in a foul call that kept the team in the game late. During that span, the Mountaineers got destroyed by Kansas State but rebounded with a win over Texas Tech. They were able to nearly upset OSU at home with a 73-72 loss earlier in January, but it should be a much different showing in Stillwater as the Cowboys are playing much better. Oklahoma State

(25)Oklahoma (15-4) at Texas Tech (10-9) – 3:00 PM CT, TV: Big 12 Network

Spaen: The Red Raiders are starting to play better basketball throughout the month of January. They’re good enough to be a competitor and get multiple upset bids with a strong frontcourt and improvement from their guard Robert Turner. Oklahoma’s numbers on defense have actually improved as they go through conference play, but they’ve had the habit of playing with their opponents, no matter the talent level. Expect another close game, and if Texas Tech can have the offensive output they had against West Virginia, they’ll pick up this win. Texas Tech

Women: (20)Iowa State (14-4) at Texas Tech (6-12) – 7:00 PM CT, TV: FOX Sports Southwest Plus

Voss: After four straight loses, the Cyclone women are also due for a victory. Luckily for them, Texas Tech is pretty bad, losing their last eight games and starting out 0-7 in conference play. All but one of those loses were by double digits. The Cyclones will finally get on the winning streak in this one.  Iowa State (Spaen and LaFratte also pick ISU)

(8)Kansas (14-4) at TCU (9-9) – 8:00 PM CT, TV: ESPNU

Voss: Somehow, Kansas lost to TCU last year. TCU is better than they were a year ago but will continue to be a bottom dweller in the Big 12 as the season progresses. Kansas is playing as well as anybody in the country and the words Kansas and national championship are once again being used in the same sentence. Kansas

Other top 25 games

(21)Michigan (14-4) at (3)Michigan State (18-1) – 6:00 PM CT, TV: ESPN

Voss: Both these teams are undefeated in conference play. Michigan has played the tougher schedule, and has been impressive since a close loss at home to top ranked Arizona. On paper, Michigan State scores more points per game, rebounds better, and averages more assists. They also play at home. Tom Izzo’s squad will stay undefeated in conference play. Michigan State

(5)Wichita State (20-0) at Drake (11-8) – 7:00 PM CT, TV: MC22

Spaen: The Shockers have become the first team in the nation to reach 20 wins, and remain one of the undefeated teams in college basketball along with Arizona and Syracuse. This could be a tough road test with the better teams in the Missouri Valley on defense. The question will be if Drake has enough offensively to pull of the upset, and I believe they’ll fall short in a really close, low-scoring game. Wichita State