College basketball picks: Big 12 and other top 25 game predictions for February 1

Here are this weekend’s Big 12 college basketball picks, along with other top 25 action, from Clones Confidential lead editor Brian Spaen and staff writer Brian Voss.

Jan 21, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guards Shane Southwell (1) and Jevon Thomas (5) and Will Spradling (55) and forwards Wesley Iwundu (25) and Thomas Gipson (42) take the court against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Texas beat Kansas State 67-64. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

All games are on Saturday unless noted. Central times listed with TV or web assignment afterwards. Rankings reflect latest USA Today Coaches Poll. Information subject to change.

Big 12 games

Kansas State (15-6) at West Virginia (12-9) – 12:45 PM, TV: Big 12 Network (Web: ESPN3)

Spaen: The Wildcats crushed the Mountaineers in their first meeting less than two weeks ago. Both teams are hot from 3-point range. KSU’s Marcus Foster is hitting 36.1 percent and Will Spradling has hit eight of his last 16 attempts from the perimeter. WVU averages 7.9 3-pointers per game, second in the Big 12. Kansas State is just 1-3 away from home, and despite West Virginia’s 7-4 record at home, they’ve lost some close contests and play much better at home. Bob Huggins will avoid a 10th loss today. West Virginia

TCU (9-10) at Texas Tech (10-11) – 12:45 PM, TV: Big 12 Network (Web: ESPN3)

Voss: TCU is 0-7 in conference play losing all but two games by double digits. Texas Tech has dropped three straight, but has kept games close in essentially all of their conference losses. Lubbock also isn’t as easy of a place to play as one might think. Tech will win this game. Texas Tech

Baylor (13-7) at (10)Oklahoma State (16-4) – 1:00 PM, TV: ESPN

Voss: Baylor has been disappointing to say the least, losing five straight despite what was a pretty successful session of non-conference play. Oklahoma State is coming off a tough loss in Norman, and has been solid at home this year. On top of that the Bears lack a strong defensive guard to stop Marcus Smart. Oklahoma State wins a close game at home. Oklahoma State

Jan 21, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns center Cameron Ridley (55) shoots against Kansas State Wildcats guard Will Spradling (left) and guard Marcus Foster (2) during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Texas beat Kansas State 67-64. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

(7)Kansas (16-4) at Texas (16-4) – 3:00 PM, TV: ESPN

Spaen: This is the best matchup in the Big 12 today with Texas coming in on a five-game winning streak to take on the conference’s best. Similar to Iowa State, the Longhorns have formed a power four with Jonathan Holmes, Javan Felix, Isaiah Taylor, and Cameron Ridley, who all average over 11.2 points per game. Their size matches up to Kansas, and the Jayhawks are just 5-6 in Austin. Bill Self’s team has to lose one at some point, and this one will be it. Texas

(25)Oklahoma (17-4) at (18)Iowa State (15-4) – 3:00 PM, TV: Big 12 Network (Web: ESPN3)

Voss: It’s hard to believe, but Iowa State currently has a losing record in conference play. Oklahoma is coming off a big win against Oklahoma State, but played poorly last season in Hilton. Sooner forward Ryan Spangler will have all eyes on him. He torched the Cyclones on the boards earlier this year, and the Spangler-Ejim battle will be one of the most fun to watch of any match-up in Hilton this winter. I think Iowa State gets back on the winning track. Iowa State

Women: Kansas State (9-11) at (23)Iowa State (15-5) – 8:00 PM, Web: Cyclones.tv

Voss:  Iowa State lost a close contest in Manhattan two weeks ago. Kansas State is only 3-6 in conference play, while the Cyclones have lost five of their last six. In addition, the Cyclones have lost three straight at Hilton. Bill Fennelly’s squad will win this one. Iowa State

Other top 25 games

Jan 14, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers coach Bo Ryan watches game action against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeats Wisconsin 75-72. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

(23)Ohio State (16-5) at (13)Wisconsin (17-4) – 11:00 AM, TV: ESPN

Spaen: Both teams suffered a loss in Big Ten play over the week against lesser opponents. The Buckeyes lost five of their last six after losing to Penn State and Wisconsin gave up 43 points against Northwestern in the second half at home to lose a stunner. Something has to give from 3-point range; Ohio State is the best team in the Big Ten on 3-point defense while Wisconsin hits 3-pointers at a 37.3 percent clip (3rd in the conference). The Badgers won’t lose twice in a row at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin

(16)Duke (17-4) at (2)Syracuse (20-0) – 5:30 PM, TV: ESPN

Voss: Duke has won six straight including a double digit win on the road at 18th ranked Pitt. Syracuse has been challenged a handful of times this year, but has always pulled it off. The Carrier Dome isn’t an easy place to play. Duke is currently 20th nationally in points per game at 81.5, while Syracuse is only averaging 71.4 points per contest. Duke hits some big shots, and finds a way to outscore Syracuse in this game. Duke