2026 First Round Big 12 Conference Tournament Predictions

Unlike the ACC, this could be more of a toss-up. Houston and Arizona are probably most people’s favorites to win. Cincinnati and West Virginia look to get out of the bubble and break into the field.

First Round

#12 Arizona State Sundevils vs #13 Baylor Bears

• Winner: #13 Baylor Bears
• Projected Score: Arizona St Sundevils 81 vs 82 Baylor Bears
• Line: BAY -4.5 Total: 154.5
• Baylor has been a mixed bag this year; however, one thing is for certain, they are going to put some points on the board. The only problem is that they are giving up a lot of points. Arizona St is a little more balanced by offense and defense, but that isn’t gonna matter Tounde Yessoufou and Obi Agbim are gonna put the Sundevils to work and advance to the second round.

#9 Cincinnati Bearcats vs #16 Utah Utes

• Winner #9 Cincinnati Bearcats
• Projected Score: Cincinnati Bearcats 84 vs 70 Utah Utes
• Line: CIN -11.5 Total: 136.5
• Cincinnati has finally figured out their offense over the past 10 games, while everything for Utah is in jeopardy. I think this game will not be close, and Cincinnati will cruise on past.

#10 BYU Cougars vs #15 Kansas St Wildcats

• Winner #10 BYU Cougars
• Projected Score: BYU Cougars 85 vs 77 Kansas St
• Line: BYU -10.5 Total: 165.5
• BYU’s defensive woes will come back to bite them eventually; however, today is not quite that day yet.

#11 Colorado Buffaloes vs #14 Oklahoma St Cowboys

• Winner: #11 Colorado Buffaloes
• Projected Score: Colorado Buffaloes 82 vs 80 Oklahoma St Cowboys
• Line: COLO -1.5 Total: 162.5
• Colorado recently beat Oklahoma St in mid-February, and I think they get it done again. Freshman guard Isaiah Johnson will get them to the second round.