The next week of the 2022-23 men’s Big 12 basketball season is here. Here we’re highlighting the three games that we think will be the best for the week of January 30th – February 2nd. 5
Baylor in Texas, Monday, 8 p.m. ESPN
In a week packed with top-25 matchups, the week kicks off with a big Monday bout between the Longhorns — who are suffering a loss in Tennessee — hosts Baylor. The Bears win a narrow win over Arkansas.
The Bears (16-5, 5-3 in Big 12) started with a 0-3 game against Big 12 and have won six straight games since then, but their only win against a top 25 team in this stretch was the against Kansas last Monday. Texas would make two straight. The Longhorns will be paying a lot of attention to Keyonte George. But they shouldn’t forget LJ Cryer, who has made a scorching start in each of his last two games.
Texas (17-4, 6-2) ranks first in the Big 12, but Texas is 1-1 against the Big 12 teams in January (1-2 with Tennessee lost). Both ranking losses have hit the road. Texas’ only home loss so far was the 116-103 loss to Kansas State. Guard Marcus Carr will be Baylor’s defensive focus.
Hopefully the shot clocks are working after being flown out during Saturday’s game between the Texas and Oklahoma State women.
Kansas State in Kansas, Tuesday, 7 p.m. Big 12 Now/ESPN+
I wrote a few weeks ago about the Big 12 earning more than Big 12 Now when it comes to top 25 matchups. This is a clear example. While the Sunflower State Showdown is slaving away on the streaming service, ESPN and ESPN2 will show four games in their primetime slots in the ACC, the Big Ten and the SEC between unranked teams. This game will be infinitely better than any other.
Kansas (17-4, 6-3) finally ended their losing streak when they defeated Kentucky 77-68 on Saturday. The key to that was forward KJ Adams, and he will be key Tuesday night if Kansas wins. I can’t see forward Jalen Wilson having another 38-point game against K-State. Kansas in the middle of a seven-game streak with six ranked teams. So far, Kansas is 0-3 against ranked teams starting with the K-State loss.
Kansas State (18-3, 6-2) lost to Iowa State away from home last week, and both Big 12 game losses have come down the road and to ranked teams. Forward Keyontae Johnson and guard Markquis Nowell are clearly the players to watch for K-State. But forward David N’Guessan is back and that strengthens the Wildcats inside.
Kansas, Iowa, Saturday, 11 a.m. ESPN
I try to stay away from using multiple games with one team. But that should be an impressive game in Ames. The Jayhawks won the first meeting, 62-60, in one of those “Instant Classic” games. It’s interesting that the ISU was the last Big 12 team to beat the Jayhawks before their losing streak began.
Iowa State (15-5, 6-2) will be watching guard Caleb Grill closely. He clearly makes a difference in this team. Without him, the Cyclones lost to Missouri 78-61. The Cyclones missed his defense, 3-point shooting, and stability to aid in offense. If he’s healthy, the state of Iowa has a good chance of winning this race.
This week’s schedule (all times central)
Monday
Baylor in Texas, 8 p.m., ESPN
State of Iowa at Texas Tech, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Tuesday
Kansas State in Kansas, 7 p.m., Big 12 Now/ESPN+
West Virginia at TCU, 8 p.m., ESPNU
Wednesday
State of Oklahoma in Oklahoma, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Saturday
Kansas, Iowa, 11 a.m. ESPN
Texas Tech at Baylor, noon, TBA
TCU in the state of Oklahoma, 1 p.m., Big 12 Now/ESPN+
Texas, Kansas, 3 p.m. TBA
Oklahoma in West Virginia, 7 p.m. TBA
Links to use
rankings
AP Top 25 | USA Today Top 25 | Ken Pomeroy
Team plans, results
Baylor | State of Iowa | Kansas | State of Kansas | Oklahoma | State of Oklahoma | TCU | Texas | texas tech | West Virginia
Sign courses for 2023
Baylor | State of Iowa | Kansas | State of Kansas | Oklahoma | State of Oklahoma | TCU | Texas | texas tech
tournaments
Big 12 men’s tournament | NCAA tournament
bracketology
ESPN | CBS sports
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard
