The first day didn’t disappoint with the action and set the stage for what should be a extremely exciting 2nd day of action. With key injuries to some teams, others returning from suspension, and a team that could make a deep run.
The first game looked all in hand 4 minutes into the second half with TCU up by 21 at one point. But that would not last long as the Cowboys would storm back and actually lead in this game with less than a minute to go. But a Desmond Bane 3 pointer and 2 free throws from Alex Robinson after missing the 3 point attempt would eventually be the Cowboys downfall. They played in the last 10-15 minutes how they have in the previous 3 games. TCU is more than likely in the tournament with a win and without Wade, have a shot against the #1 seed.
For West Virginia, it was a bright spot for what has been a long season for the Eers’. It was also in controversial fashion as Christian James drilled what would’ve been a tying 3 pointer. But his foot was on the line and WV would win by one 72-71. With 15 points from Lamonte West and 6-12 shooting from Haley, West Virginia was able to upset Oklahoma and move on to the next round in another back and forth contest that showed coming up just short from the other Oklahoma team.
#4 Baylor vs. #5 Iowa State 12:30 EST ESPN2
Both teams are coming into this matchup being on losing skids, but Iowa State’s lost 6 of their last 8 games, including 3 in a row. Iowa State is going in the wrong direction after such a strong start to the conference slate.
Marial Shayok has been the big spark plug of offense on this team (18.7 PPG) and they have the best 6th man in the league in Lindell Wigginton (13.3 PPG). Where the Cyclones lack is height as they play a very guard heavy lineup with a mixture of underclassmen and one forward playing well as it’s been a down Sophomore year for Cameron Lard.
For Baylor, they are going in the wrong direction as well, but has a key player returning in G Makai Mason and a star in the making in Freshman G Jared Butler. Baylor’s leading scorer has been aggravated with a foot injury for almost half of the conference slate and has had previous health issues. Senior King McClure has also had this same bug, but both will be playing in this contest. While they were out, it was Jared Butler taking command as the Bears went back and forth with Kansas in Lawrence and Butler finished with 31 points in a 6 point loss.
Final Verdict: With the Cyclones really in a slump and the return of Mason, Baylor will squeak by and make it to the Semi-Finals. Baylor 68, Iowa State 62.
#1 Kansas State vs. #8 TCU 2:30 EST ESPN2
One of the two big storylines heading into the tournament is the status of F Dean Wade and whether he will play. And according to Head Coach Bruce Weber, the Senior star will not play in the tournament. This is best case scenario for TCU who is desperate for another win to move up in the bracket.
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year will have the tall task of facing a fellow veteran in Alex Robinson. Barry Brown had a spectacular Senior season averaging 15.1 PPG and winning the DPOY. Injuries have hindered the Wildcats with Wade’s injuries as well as Cariter Diarra getting injured as he was one of the best bench players in the league at the time of his injury.
TCU looked to be dominating this game and looking like a threat towards the Wildcats. But the Horned Frogs nearly blew a 21 point lead. TCU has senior leadership in Robinson, but also very good pieces around him in Desmond Bane and F Kouat Noi. TCU can get away with blowing a lead to a 12 win team. Not so much against the Big 12 champs and 24 win Kansas State.
Final Verdict: Kansas State has showed that they can play well without Wade. I think they will do that and be able to handle the Horned Frogs. Kansas State 77, TCU 61.
#2 Texas Tech vs #10 West Virginia. 7 PM EST ESPN2
Chris Beard is among the elite coaches in the country and what he has done at Texas Tech has been masterful. While losing a lottery pick and projected to finish 7th in the conference by most people, took his team and earn their first conference title in over 2 decades. It’s a very exciting time to be a Red Raider fan with Jarrett Culver winning the Player of the Year and have a deadly 3 point threat like Davide Moretti.
West Virginia survived a near scare from Oklahoma and advanced for the 4th straight year to the Quarterfinals. The season has featured a home win against Kansas and that’s about it. The good news for the Mountaineers is that they are young and they should be a much improved team next year with some nice pieces coming back in Jordan McCabe and Lamonte West and a returning Sagabe Konate.
Final Verdict: Texas Tech and Oklahoma are 2 different animals and this is a game where WV could stay in it with some good 3 point shooting. But a game Texas Tech should win without too many issues. Texas Tech 82, West Virginia 70.
#3 Kansas vs. #6 Texas 9 PM EST
Kansas hasn’t lost one home game all season long. The tournament is essentially a home tournament with it being hosted in Kansas City. Kansas should have a really good crowd and have been very good this season with a comfortable environment. Dedric Lawson has been exactly what the Jayhawks have hoped for, but have had to deal with injuries of their own. With Lagerald Vick being ruled out for the tournament, their thin guard depth just got thinner.
For Texas, it’s been a rather disappointing season for the Longhorns and Smart will be on the hot seat at the end of the year, unless he can create some magic in the Tournament. Kerwin Roach has been reinstated for the game to give the Longhorns some offensive power (leading scorer at 14.4 PPG). A Championship berth would put them back on the bubble. They’ll need to win the tournament to for sure be in the field.
Final Verdict: Kerwin will be able to produce some offense and keep the Longhorns in the game. But in the end, Kansas pulls away and advances to the Semi-Finals. Kansas 76, Texas 68.
Image Credit: http://www2.ljworld.com/sports/2019/jan/09/freshman-ochai-agbaji-makes-debut-to-help-no-7-kansas-top-no-25-tcu/
