STF Conference Reports: The Big 12 2/25/2008

Texas seems to have gotten over their case of the yips before anyone else in the conference, and they're riding high on the cusp of Championship Week. The top three in the conference have been holding relatively steady, though they do switch places from time to time. The more interesting part is the next two or three teams, who are all fighting to build an at-large profile good enough to get in.

Shall we?

Team With the Best Week: Nebraska

This run is more than likely a case of far-too-little, far-too-late, but it cannot be denied that the Huskers are playing the kind of ball we felt they could at the beginning of the season. Aleks Maric and company have knocked off #25 Kansas State and #22 Texas A&M this week, running their conference record to 5-7. If the Huskers win three out of their last four (@ Texas seems like a bit of a stretch), and win a couple in the B12 tourney, do they merit our notice on Selection Sunday?

Team With the Worst Week: Texas A&M

This squad is listed in the dictionary under the word "streaky". They started the season 15-1 and solidly in the top ten. Then conference play handed the Aggies a three-game losing streak that ended after the epic 5OT battle with Baylor. Then it was five more wins, and now a poorly-timed three game donger. This team will make the dance, but their seed is going down the proverbial toilet.

Player of the Week: D.J. Augustin

This was a toughie. Michael Beasley is clearly the best individual player in the Big 12 and maybe the country right now. He scored 44 with 13 rebounds against Baylor. But his team lost twice this week. Augustin, on the other hand, is dishing out six assists per game to go along with his 23 point scoring average, and is helping his team win as a team. Results matter - it's Augustin in a split decision.

What to Watch

Texas @ Kansas State 2/25 - This is the last big regular-season road test for the Longhorns.

Kansas State @ Kansas 3/1 - Likely to decide second-place behind the burnt orange.

Texas A&M @ Baylor 3/5 - A battle with major NCAA tourney implications for slump-prone teams.

In the battle for seeding in both the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments, Baylor (Mizzou and A&M at home, Colorado and Tex Tech on the road) has the edge, while A&M (@ Baylor and OU, hosting Kansas) is going to have to slog through heavy fire.