College basketball picks: Big 12 and other top 25 predictions for February 22

Clones Confidential lead editor Brian Spaen and staff writer Brian Voss predict this Saturday’s Big 12 action and other top 25 games as things ramp up in conference play.

Iowa State Cyclones Head Coach Fred Hoiberg talks to his team in timeout during their game with the Texas Longhorns at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State beat Texas 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Highlights include a top-20 matchup between Kansas and Texas, multiple Big 12 teams striving to make their case to be invited into the NCAA tournament, and Wichita State’s continued undefeated run.

Central times listed with TV broadcast listed afterwards unless noted. All games take place on Saturday unless noted. Rankings reflect latest AP poll. All information subject to change.

Big 12 games

Women: Texas (17-9, 8-6) at Iowa State (17-8, 6-8) – 7:00 PM, Web: Cyclones.tv

Voss: Iowa State lost to the Longhorns by seven on February 9th. Since then the Cyclones are 1-1 and Texas has dropped two straight. Texas is 2-5 on the road this season, and their road struggles are likely to continue in this game. Cyclones win in a close contest.

Prediction: Iowa State

Spaen: If Iowa State wants to safely make the NCAA tournament, this is a must-win at home. Texas has the advantage from the perimeter with the best 3-point field goal percentage in the Big 12 (.362) and on defense with holding teams to just 33.8 percent shooting (also best in the conference). However, like their men’s program, they turn the ball over a lot and are horrendous from the free throw line while the Cyclones have the best free throw percentage (.798) in the Big 12. At Hilton Coliseum, those advantages should give ISU a slight edge.

Prediction: Iowa State

(19)Texas (20-6, 9-4) at (8)Kansas (20-6, 11-2) – 6:30 PM, ESPNU

Voss: Kansas struggled to a win in Lubbock on Tuesday night despite strong performances from Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins. Texas has been excellent for most of conference play but has dropped two straight games on the road. Kansas is on their way to another conference championship. They’ll win this one with ease.

Prediction: Kansas