The Big 12 may not have the depth of the Big East or the rivalries of the Big Ten but it still has some serious national title contenders with teams like Kansas, Texas and Kansas State. So the Big 12 Tournament will still get plenty of sports betting action. Let’s take a look at the hopefuls and make a pick.
KANSAS JAYHAWKS (29-2)
Sportsbook odds: -200
It should come as no surprise at all to see the No.2 Kansas Jayhawks favored to win the Big 12 tourney. Bill Self’s boys know how to shoot the lights out. No one does it better. At 51.8 per cent from the field, Kansas is the nation’s top shooting team. It’s no wonder the Jayhawks are also fifth with 82.7 points per game. The Morrises, Marcus and Markieff, both shoot just under 60 per cent. Amazing.
KANSAS STATE (22-9)
Sportsbook odds: +250
Here I was thinking Kansas State would be a sleeper, but the oddsmakers are ahead of the game. The Wildcats couldn’t hide anymore after their outstanding late-season run that included wins over Kansas and Texas (at Texas). Jacob Pullen has been a man on a mission for this team down the stretch. Arguably, no team carries more momentum into the Big 12 tournament.
TEXAS LONGHORNS (25-6)
Sportsbook odds: +350
If it weren’t for Kansas State going crazy over the last month, Texas would’ve been the consensus top challenger to Kansas for the Big 12 crown. After all, the Longhorns beat Kansas earlier this season. You could also argue that Texas has the conference’s best pure scorer in Jordan Hamilton. The Longhorns were popular in college basketball betting circles this year, leading the Big 12 with an 18-8 ATS record.
TEXAS A&M AGGIES (23-7)
Sportsbook odds: +650
Unlike the Big East, in which every team seems to have 20 wins and a shot at the tournament crown, only a handful of Big 12 teams are taken seriously. Texas A&M is probably the last of that group, and even the Aggies are a stretch. They’re a fine defensive squad, ranking 15th in the nation with 60.4 points allowed per game, but their offense leaves a lot to be desired. Texas A&M also seemed to fall flat on its face every time it matched up against a good Big 12 team, especially away from home. So I wouldn’t waste a bet on the Aggies if I were you.
THE PICK
It’s no coincindence that this preview is shorter than my Big East preview. To me, recommending or even discussing anyone besides the top four teams in the Big 12 would be steering you in the wrong direction. Actually, you shouldn’t get caught picking anyone other than Kansas, Kansas State or Texas.
I like the All-Kansas rivalry to be the deciding factor here. Kansas State is playing the best basketball in the Big 12 right now and Kansas knows how to win better than anyone else. I think that experience (and coaching edge) will be enough to put the Jayhawks over the top…barely.
Today’s free pick: Kansas -250