College basketball picks: Big 12 and other top 25 predictions for March 1st

Clones Confidential lead editor Brian Spaen and staff writer Brian Voss predict all the Big 12 games this weekend, including the Iowa State women’s basketball contest at Kansas.

Feb 26, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Kevin Noreen (34) defends Iowa State Cyclones forward Georges Niang (31) in the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State beat West Virginia 83-66. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

We also predict both games featuring top 25 teams against each other, undefeated Wichita State and their final regular season home game against Missouri State, and ninth-ranked Creighton with a big road test at Xavier.

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: Iowa State (19-8, 8-8) at Kansas (12-16, 5-11) – 7:00 PM, FOX Sports Networks (Midwest)

Voss: Bill Fennelly’s squad is attempting to make a late push for the NCAA tournament. The Cyclones are coming off impressive wins against Texas and 15th-ranked Okahoma State in Stillwater. Kansas has lost three straight, including a 72-69 loss at Hilton Coliseum on February 15th. Cyclones win this one in a close contest.

Prediction: Iowa State

Spaen: The Cyclone women’s blowout victory in Stillwater was perhaps the biggest surprise in both Iowa State men and women’s basketball this year. Nikki Moody nearly had a triple-double (9 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast), the team hit 15 3-pointers, and that came off of a big victory at home against Texas. This team is gelling at the right time, now they have to avoid a letdown. As long as they continue to shoot this well, they should be able to carry a 3-game winning streak back to Ames against Baylor.

Prediction: Iowa State

(5)Kansas (22-6, 13-2) at Oklahoma State (18-10, 6-9) – 8:00 PM, ESPN

Voss: After clinching the top seed in the Big 12 tournament and winning the conference regular season title, Kansas is playing for a higher seed in the NCAA tournament. The Jayhawks have won four straight, including an impressive win at home against Texas last Saturday. Oklahoma State has won back-to-back games since Marcus Smart’s return, although those were games against Texas Tech and TCU. Like Baylor, Oklahoma State is trying to make a late season push to get into the NCAA tournament. Kansas wins in a very close game.

Prediction: Kansas