Predicting the Outcome of the 2014 Big 12 Basketball Tournament

By Connor Muldowney

Predicting the Big 12 Basketball Tournament Outcome

Kansas Jayhawks — With the Big 12 Tournament just about to begin, teams a vying for spots in the NCAA Tournament. It is only a matter of time before we find out who will be dancing in March and who will be sitting at home.

Let's take a look at the Big 12 Tournament predictions for every single game.

First Round: No. 8 Oklahoma State vs No. 9 Texas Tech

Oklahoma State vs Texas Tech

First Round: No. 8 Oklahoma State vs No. 9 Texas Tech

Oklahoma State vs Texas Tech — The Oklahoma State Cowboys have had a bumpy ride since losing on the road to Texas Tech -- that loss began their downfall. However, they have bounced back recently and have the Red Raiders in their sights.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 68, Texas Tech 61

First Round: No. 7 Baylor vs No. 10 TCU

Baylor vs TCU

First Round: No. 7 Baylor vs No. 10 TCU

Baylor vs TCU — Baylor is one of the most talented teams in the Big 12 and it's hard to see them as a seven-seed. However, they get to beat up on the lowly TCU Horned Frogs who went 0-18 in conference play. If there was a seed lower than 10, the Horned Frogs would have it. This one will get ugly real fast.

Prediction: Baylor 74, TCU 56

Second Round: No. 4 Iowa State vs No. 5 Kansas State

Iowa State vs Kansas State

Second Round: No. 4 Iowa State vs No. 5 Kansas State

Iowa State vs Kansas State — Iowa State will kick off the second round of the tournament with a Kansas State team in which in lost to just two weeks earlier. The Cyclones will be searching for revenge on a team that is responsible for the Cyclones' No. 4 seed. Iowa State will be on a mission in this tournament as quite possibly the scariest team.

Prediction: Iowa State 77, Kansas State 69

Second Round: No. 1 Kansas vs No. 8 Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State vs Kansas

Second Round: No. 1 Kansas vs No. 8 Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State vs Kansas — Oklahoma State will need to get a statement win against Kansas to guarantee an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, bit Andrew Wiggins and crew will just be too much. Without Joel Embiid, however, this game will be much closer than anyone expected.

Prediction: Kansas 74, Oklahoma State 72

Second Round: No. 2 Oklahoma vs No. 7 Baylor

Baylor vs Oklahoma

Second Round: No. 2 Oklahoma vs No. 7 Baylor

Baylor vs Oklahoma — Oklahoma was the surprise team in the conference this season. Finishing in second place in the Big 12 with a 12-6 record this season, the Sooners had a season not too many expected to see. However, it's difficult to beat a team three times in a single season -- especially one as talented as Baylor.

Prediction: Oklahoma 66, Baylor 71

Second Round: No. 3 Texas vs No. 6 West Virginia

Texas vs West Virginia

Second Round: No. 3 Texas vs No. 6 West Virginia

Texas vs West Virginia — Texas has also been a team that has been a tough matchup this season. One of the main reasons the Big 12 can be considered the best conference in America is the depth of talented teams. Texas will be too much for West Virginia to handle just like the previous two matchups this season.

Prediction: Texas 80, West Virginia 68

Semifinals: No. 1 Kansas vs No. 4 Iowa State

Iowa State vs Kansas

Semifinals: No. 1 Kansas vs No. 4 Iowa State

Iowa State vs Kansas — Many people have Kansas running away with the conference tournament title just like it did in the regular season, but that will not be the case without big man Joel Embiid. Iowa State poses far too many matchup problems and that will be exposed in this tough postseason matchup. Time for the Jayhawks to get rested up for the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed.

Prediction: Kansas 61, Iowa State 65

Semifinals: No. 3 Texas vs No. 7 Baylor

Texas vs Baylor

Semifinals: No. 3 Texas vs No. 7 Baylor

Texas vs Baylor — Texas is good, but they have been known to slip up -- especially lately. In fact, the Longhorns have lost four of their last six games and haven't won a road game since Feb. 4. The Longhorns have beaten the Bears twice this season already, but Baylor is fighting for an NCAA Tournament berth. Advantage: Baylor.

Prediction: Texas 80, Baylor 83

Finals: No. 4 Iowa State vs No. 7 Baylor

Iowa State vs Baylor

Finals: No. 4 Iowa State vs No. 7 Baylor

Iowa State vs Baylor — Baylor's improbably Big 12 Tournament run will come to an end here. Although Baylor had put together a great run with great wins up to this point, Iowa State is just far too strong and deep. Baylor will, however, prove its spot in the Big Dance with a deep run in the Big 12 tourney.

Prediction: Iowa State 67, Baylor 57

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].

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