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

(17)Iowa State (20-5, 8-5) at TCU (9-16, 0-13) – 3:00 PM, ESPN2

Voss: Iowa State played one of their best games of the season in an 85-76 win over Texas on Tuesday night. TCU has lost its last four conference games by double digits and may be on their way to a winless conference slate. Melvin Ejim was able to score 48 points against TCU on February 8th, but the Cyclone defense was awful for much of the second half. If Iowa State plays poor defense and struggles to move the ball offensively, TCU will have a chance. Fortunately, an upset is unlikely and Iowa State will win this game easily.

Prediction: Iowa State

Feb 8, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) looks to pass the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jamal Williams, Jr. (23) at United Spirit Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Tech (13-13, 5-8) at Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-9) – 12:45 PM, Big 12 Network (Web: ESPN3)

Spaen: Both teams are trending in different directions. Oklahoma State has lost seven straight games. Despite Texas Tech losing two straight, they could have beaten both Iowa State and Kansas, and they won three straight before that two-game stretch. The Red Raiders are very good despite having a .500 record, and the Cowboys have no signs of getting better. However, Marcus Smart is back. Combine that spark on the team with TTU’s 2-7 road record, Okie State will win a close one at home.

Prediction: Oklahoma State

Baylor (17-9, 5-8) at West Virginia (15-11, 7-6) – 12:45 PM, Big 12 Network (Web: ESPN3)

Voss: Both of these teams are fighting to get into the NCAA tournament, and this game will be an important factor in that race. Baylor lost to the Mountaineers on January 28th during their five-game losing streak. They have now won three straight, including two games in overtime. West Virginia has not lost at home since a game against Texas on January 13th. Baylor certainly has more talent, but Bob Huggins can out coach Scott Drew with ease. West Virginia wins this game, and moves closer to a NCAA tournament bid while Baylor moves closer to the NIT.

Prediction: West Virginia

Kansas State (18-8, 8-5) at Oklahoma (19-7, 8-5) – 3:00 PM, Big 12 Network (Web: ESPN3)

Spaen: Kansas State’s road woes are a major problem keeping this team from the elite in the Big 12. They didn’t play a true road game in nonconference play, and they’ve only won once on the road in conference play – against TCU. Oklahoma has continued to bring down their average points scored per game, reaching over 80 points in two earlier games in February but staying under that number in seven of their last nine games. However, the trend continues to be win at home and lose on the road for KSU, and it will stay that way.

Prediction: Oklahoma