LogJam for Third in the Big 12
2006-01-26
Posted by: badanov
A three-way tie for third place in the Big 12 among Oklahoma, Kansas State and Kansas will be broken up this weekend.
Currently Texas (17-2, 5-0 conf .) is first and plays Oklahoma ( 12-4, 3-2 conf.) Saturday, a game likely to be nationally televised. Texas has had its hiccups in big games with forward Brad Buckman's ankles injuries in a difficult transition, but now Texas seems to be able to survive his absence. The back court of LaMarcus Aldridge and Kenton Paulino will provide a strong breakwater against the intensive Oklahoma inside game.
Oklahoma is having problems with injuries, especially Taj Gray. Even with their powerful front court of Kevin Bookout and a healthy Tar Gray, OU has been having problems in the defense, and in close games with winning those close games.
If you get a chance catch even part of the Texas OU game and watch Bookout play. He and Taj Gray are unstoppable, but as with any sport, a poor defense will cancel out any advantage in scoring.
Number two in the Big 12 Colorado (14-3, 4-2 conf.) will host third place Kansas State (12-4, 3-2 conf. ), a surprising team in the Big 12 so far this year which won against Kansas in their home fieldhouse Jan 14th.
Kansas State will make their bid for second place against the Buffs.
Kansas (12-6, 3-2 conf. ), on the other hand, has been struggling this year. They go to Iowa State (13-6 3-3 conf.) a team which dispatched in state rival Iowa last month.
Our best guess is that Sunday, Texas and Colorado will remain one and two in the Big 12. We also like Kansas against Iowa State despite the simple fact this will be a Cyclones home game. A win here places Kansas in sole possession of third place in the Big 12.
If you have something to add, Fire Away!
Number of Comments so far: 0
Click here
for a list of stories in the College Sports category