The day two schedule for the 2011 Big 12 tournament is highlighted by the presence of the No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks along with the the three other teams yet to play in the tourney including Texas, Texas A&M and Kansas State. Those four teams are making their first appearance at the Big 12 tournament after securing a first round bye.
Day two is arguably the best day of the tournament, depending on how you look at it, because you still get four games but the top four seeds are all playing, unlike the first round. The next two days will see two games on Friday and then the championship game on Saturday so this is the most bang for your buck.
Here's a round up of Thursday's schedule:
(1) Kansas vs. Oklahoma State (9), 11:30 a.m., ESPN2
The early line on this game is 14.5 points in favor of Kansas. The Jayhawks are the second ranked team in the country and they'll be playing at an arena with plenty of Jayhawkers in attendance so it's hard to envision a scenario where they lose this game. The last time these two teams played, Kansas cruised, 92-65, with Marcus and Markieff Morris combining for over 40 points. The only chance Oklahoma State has of winning this game is coming out like they did against Nebraska hitting their first five three-pointers but keep that up the entire game. This is a tough one for OSU.
For more on the game, check out Rock Chalk Talk and Cowboys Ride For Free.
(4) Kansas State vs. (5) Colorado, 2:00 p.m., Big 12 Network (KMCI)
Arguably the most intriguing game of this tournament so far. The Wildcats on a resurgence winning eight of their last nine games and generating some hype despite their slow start to conference play. Their only loss in that nine-game stretch? Against Colorado. In fact, Colorado swept Kansas State 2-0 in the season series. Most expect Kansas State to win this game but, as Lee Corso may say, 'Not so fast my friends.' Two Big 12 player of the year candidates, KSU's Jacob Pullen and CU's Alec Burks, will keep this game entertaining throughout.
For more on the game, check out Bring On The Cats and Ralphie Report.
(2) Texas vs. (10) Oklahoma, 6:00 p.m., Big 12 Network (KMCI)
Texas probably figured the'yd be playing Baylor but they figured. Baylor blew it against Oklahoma meaning the Sooners will move onto round two to play the Longhorns. Texas is obviously the better team and should win this game but Oklahoma's shooting performance against Baylor makes you think how close this could be. We can't expect them to shoot 57 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three-point land again, can we? They'll need that to compete with Texas.
For more on the game, check out Burnt Orange Nation and Crimson and Cream Machine.
(3) Texas A&M vs. (6) Missouri, 8:30 p.m., ESPN2
Another intriguing game in the tournament. Mizzou already lost to Texas A&M earlier this season but that was on the road and by two points in overtime. Clearly, the Tigers can hang and the Sprint Center crowd will be largely pro-Mizzou so it will have a home game feel. Missouri escaped Texas Tech in round one so we'll see if they're fresh enough to keep the momentum going on Thursday night.
For more on the game, check out I Am The 12th Man and Rock M Nation.