By the end of Saturday in Kansas City, there will be a Big 12 men’s basketball tournament champion crowned at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.
The winner will get the league’s automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament, though it’s clear the conference will probably get eight bids in March Madness.
So, who wins each game and who wins the title? As Heartland College Sports did with the Big 12 women’s tournament, we’re predicting the winner of each game and the champion.
2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship Predictions
(all times central)
First Round: Tuesday
Game 1: No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 13 Cincinnati, 11:30 a.m. CT
The Cowboys and Bearcats played on Saturday, with the Cowboys winning by 11 points in Stillwater. On a neutral court, the Bearcats move on as they cling to any hope of making the NCAA Tournament. Cincinnati 79, Oklahoma State 75
Game 2: No. 9 TCU vs. No. 16 Colorado, 2 p.m. CT
Same thing here. The Horned Frogs and Buffs played on Saturday, with Colorado winning by 20 in Boulder. Crazy thing is, I think the Buffs do it again. Colorado 77, TCU 69
Game 3: No. 10 Kansas State vs. No. 15 Arizona State, 6 p.m. CT
Arizona State is incredibly shorthanded and Bobby Hurley’s job is probably on the line. This won’t help. Kansas State 73, Arizona State 63
Game 4: No. 11 Utah vs. No. 14 UCF, 8:30 p.m. CT
The Utes already have a new coach but this will be the end of the line for interim coach Josh Eilert — at least in Kansas City. UCF 77, Utah 70
Related: Three Options to Fix the Big 12 Basketball Tournament
Second Round: Wednesday
Game 5: No. 5 Iowa State vs. No. 13 Cincinnati, 11:30 a.m. CT
Expect a frustrating first half for Iowa State, followed by a big second half to put the Bearcats away. Iowa State 66, Cincinnati 60
Game 6: No. 8 West Virginia vs. No. 16 Colorado, 2 p.m. CT
This game should go West Virginia’s way. Expect Javon Small to do a Kansas City takeover. He’ll have the best individual game of the day. West Virginia 80, Colorado 65
Game 7: No. 7 Baylor vs. No. 10 Kansas State, 6 p.m. CT
Tricky. Scott Drew doesn’t like going up against Jerome Tang. They’re buds. If Drew doesn’t give Tang’s team a pre-game pep talk, this should go Baylor’s way. Baylor 68, Kansas State 65
Game 8: No. 6 Kansas vs. No. 14 UCF, 8:30 p.m. CT
UCF has been a thorn in Kansas’ side since it joined the league. This could be a close game — for about 30 minutes. Kansas 75, UCF 68
Quarterfinals: Thursday
Game 9: No. 4 BYU vs. No. 5 Iowa State, 11:30 a.m. CT
So, we’re doing this again? Hopefully it doesn’t go double-overtime. BYU’s good vibes come to an abrupt end at Hilton South. Iowa State 74, BYU 73
Game 10: No. 1 Houston vs. No. 8 West Virginia, 2 p.m. CT
Houston will start slow and overcome a Mountaineers lead in the second half. But, by game’s end, the Cougars will look like themselves. Houston 67, West Virginia 61
Game 11: No. 2 Texas Tech vs. No. 7 Baylor, 6 p.m. CT
Another Scott Drew coaching tree matchup. This one isn’t going to go his way. Tech has too many answers for the shorthanded Bears. Texas Tech 80, Baylor 71
Game 12: No. 3 Arizona vs. No. 6 Kansas, 8:30 p.m. CT
Saturday’s matchup was in Lawrence. This one is in Kansas City. It’ll be a partisan crowd. But the Wildcats aren’t going to lose twice. Arizona 78, Kansas 73
Semifinals: Friday
Game 13: No. 5 Iowa State vs. No. 1 Houston, 6 p.m. CT
Iowa State will be full strength this time. Houston will find a way to win in a rematch of last year’s title game. Houston 69, Iowa State 66
Game 14: No. 2 Texas Tech vs. No. 3 Arizona, 8:30 p.m. CT
The Red Raiders and Wildcats split the season series. Now, it’s a semifinal on a neutral floor. Call it the Caleb Love game. The Wildcats will. Arizona 84, Texas Tech 81
Final: Saturday
Game 15: No. 1 Houston vs. No. 3 Arizona, 5 p.m. CT
Houston fell short last year. This year, the Cougars are full strength and will get the job done, securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Houston 73, Arizona 69
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
