Big Results in the Big Twelve

Nebraska wanted to make sure everyone knew they planned on contending for an NCAA Tournament bid.  Beating Texas A&M today 57-48 should accomplish that mission pretty well.

With the win, the Huskers move to 15-5 (3-3), while Texas A&M fell to 17-3 (4-2).  Nebraska is still perched on the wrong side of the bubble, but are certainly in the mix with Texas A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Colorado - all jostling for position in the middle of the Big Twelve pack.  Depending on how things unfold anywhere from two to four of those teams could find themselves dancing in March.

My gut feel, based on the lack of many compelling mid-major cases building and the strong argument for the Big Twelve as the best conference in the country, I think the conference earns six bids, meaning three of the above likely get the nod.

Dunn's 26 powered Baylor over Colorado.

Baylor certainly hopes and expectto be one of them.  Following last season's Elite Eight run, expectations were high for Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears.  Tweety Carter and Ekpe Udoh are gone, but LaceDariuis Dunn and a fantastic freshman class were in place to continue the Bears' resurgence.  Today's 70-66 victory over Colorado strengthens their case considerably, as well as dealing a tough blow to one of their fellow bubble mates.

Baylor moves to 14-6 (4-3) with the win, while Colorado falls to 14-8 (3-4) with the loss.  Baylor is likely in solid shape for the Tourney, provided they can avoid any more bad losses like last weeks 72-59 loss to Iowa State.  Colorado's path is going to be a lot tougher.  Not only are they likely currently last on the above list of Big Twelve tourney hopefuls, they also are entering a brutal schedule stretch.  After Tuesday's visit from Iowa State the Buffaloes face: @Missouri, Texas A&M, Kansas State, @Kansas.  Anything less than 3-2 over that stretch likely spells the end of Colorado's tourney hopes.

** Tonight's marquee match-up at 9PM: Texas @ Missouri (ESPN2) **


MANIAC'S TOURNEY PROJECTIONS - BIG TWELVE:


LOCKS - Texas, Kansas, Missouri
SHOULD BE IN - Texas A&M, Baylor
POSSIBLE - Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Colorado (I like K-St getting in over the other three who will land softly in the NIT)


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