A weekly feature dissecting the Big 12 basketball scene using key metrics, observations, and a touch of sarcasm. This week explores the quirks and challenges faced by teams like Houston, Kansas State, Arizona, West Virginia, TCU, Baylor, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma State.
Welcome to a new weekly feature on the Hotline, where we delve into the intricacies of Big 12 basketball. We'll utilize key metrics like NET rankings and KenPom ratings, combine them with our observations, and sprinkle in a touch of old-fashioned sarcasm when the situation calls for it. All this is aimed at providing fans with a clear understanding of the current state of one of the nation's most competitive conferences.
The Cougars, despite their impressive conference performance, haven't built a resume that quite matches their lofty NET ranking. At 0-3 in Quadrant I games, they stand alone among the top 40 teams without at least one Quad I victory. With three of their next four games on the road, including crucial matchups in Tucson and Lawrence, the Cyclones will be putting their mettle to the test. These games represent a pivotal stretch, as they'll have faced all but one (Houston) of their toughest road opponents by the end of it.Looking ahead, we see a potential trap game for the Jayhawks next week when they host UCF between showdowns with Houston (home) and Baylor (road). Christian Anderson, a freshman with immense potential, appears capable of rescuing his veteran teammates from the pressure of a potentially difficult first-round NCAA tournament game. Arizona's remaining schedule is formidable, with the only apparent soft spot being a mid-February home stand against BYU and Utah. Even that is not a guaranteed win, especially considering Utah's recent victory at TCU. The Mountaineers' home loss to ASU cost them six spots in the NET ranking, highlighting the importance of every game in this competitive conference. Their performance could determine whether they remain on the NCAA bubble or fall out entirely.The Horned Frogs experienced a surprising turnaround, losing at home to Utah and winning at Baylor within a five-day span. This unpredictability in the Big 12 continues both on the court and in the field. The Bears' loss to TCU could haunt them if they fall short of a top-four seed in the conference tournament, forcing them to play in the second round. As their resume weakens, the Cougars would be wise to capitalize on their upcoming home stand against Cincinnati and Baylor. Each passing game seems to diminish the significance of their early win over Texas Tech, making it increasingly difficult to understand in the context of their current performance. The NET ranking suggests the Bearcats are firmly on the NCAA bubble, but their resume, particularly their 0-5 mark in Quadrant I games, tells a different story. Utah's victory over BYU stands out as their best win of the season, emphasizing the importance of upsets in a conference known for its parity. The Cowboys may not be alone in their struggle to avoid the bottom of the standings, as their peers in Boulder, Manhattan, Salt Lake City, and Cincinnati could also find themselves in a similar predicament.
BIG 12 BASKETBALL NET RANKINGS KENPOM RATINGS NCAA TOURNAMENT CONFERENCE PLAY PREDICTIONS SCHEDULE ANALYSIS
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