What we learned at the Big 12 Tournament
OKLAHOMA CITY — In a way, the Big 12 women’s basketball tournament in Oklahoma City this weekend went just as anticipated. The No. 1 seed, undefeated in conference play, topped the No. 2 seed in the final.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Or even half of it. Here is what stood out from a four-day weekend in OKC:
Champs once again, Baylor looks Final Four bound
To no one’s surprise, Baylor won each game by at least 18 points. And it’s clear why.
Kalani Brown is just about the most physically imposing player in the country. Lauren Cox is a rare blend of size and athleticism. Chloe Jackson is everything you’d want in a heady point guard. Juicy Landrum hits the 3s, and Didi Richards plays some mean on-ball defense. NaLyssa Smith and Moon Ursin are key off the bench. It’s a lot.
And that’s the thing about Baylor: it’s not just one thing.
The Lady Bears (31-1) marched past the first two rounds of the Big 12 tournament to reach the Big 12 title once again, facing two-seed Iowa State (25-8), and the Cyclones actually hung around for three quarters.
But whenever Baylor needed a play made, they got one, whether it was an 17-footer from Jackson, a post bucket from Brown or Cox, or a steal from Richards, who was guarding Big 12 Player of the Year Bridget Carleton.
It was valiant effort from the Cyclones, but Baylor looked mighty unbeatable on Monday night.
“That’s just a really, really, really, really good team. I wouldn’t be surprised if about a month from now, they’re holding up another trophy,” ISU coach Bill Fennelly said.
The Lady Bears weren’t at their best through the first three quarters — and still led a good ISU team by four. For that reason alone, I don’t see Baylor, all but guaranteed to be the No. 1 overall seed, being challenged until at least the Elite Eight. Even then, it would be surprising to see them lose before Tampa (unless they play a Pac-12 team).
Before the season, Baylor set goals for the season, and the final one before the NCAA Tournament was winning the Big 12 tournament.
“I think that the only thing we haven’t checked off our list is the Final Four,” Brown said.
Iowa State shows plenty of promise
A year after posting a losing record, the Cyclones showed a national TV audience on Monday night that they are a legitimate threat to reach the Sweet Sixteen, and who knows, maybe more. Led by Carleton and a gritty performance from senior point guard Alexa Middleton, ISU went blow-for-blow with the Lady Bears for three quarters, before being overpowered in the fourth period, losing 67-49.
“I thought our kids played as hard as they could play. I couldn’t be more proud,” Fennelly said.
Over the past 16 games, Iowa State is 12-4 — with three of those losses to Baylor. They’re essentially guaranteed a No. 4 (or maybe No. 3 seed) and hosting privileges, which is their best performance in years. The Cyclones haven’t reached the Sweet Sixteen since 2010, but will be favored to do so as they play the opening weekend in Hilton Coliseum, where they are 16-2 this year.
ISU hasn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2013, and Carleton — a projected first or second round WNBA Draft pick — has accomplished plenty in her career, but not that.
“Playing college basketball, you want to get to the NCAA Tournament,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s where the best memories are made, so we’re looking forward to that. I can’t wait.”
Bubble Big 12
The number of Big 12 bids to the NCAA Tournament is anybody’s guess. It could be as few as three: hosts Baylor and Iowa State, plus a No. 7 or No. 8 seed Texas. Or, in theory, it could be as many as six.
It looks like Kansas State, which has come on strong over the past month and defeated West Virginia in the 4-5 game on Saturday, will sneak in. High Post Hoops currently projects the Wildcats as a No. 11 seed.
After falling to Baylor in the conference semis, KSU coach Jeff Mittie advocated for his team.
“In the last month, since February 4th, the only team we have lost to is Baylor. But again, with our group we have seen tremendous growth and we’ve seen with the exception of Baylor we have played unbelievably well this last month,” he said.
K-State seems like they’re in, but what about West Virginia and TCU? Texas coach Karen Aston said she’d be shocked if the Big 12 didn’t get six teams in. Kim Mulkey similarly spoke highly of the conference.
Fennelly said, “There is no way West Virginia and TCU shouldn’t be in the NCAA tournament.”
Both are the First Four Out, per High Post Hoops, but it wouldn’t be a shock if either made it into the field. And it wouldn’t be a total shock if K-State missed.
Selection Monday is only five days away, but it’ll be a stressful five days for the Wildcats, Mountaineers and Horned Frogs.
Love our 24/7 women’s basketball coverage? Join our Patreon now and support this work, while getting extra goodies and subscriber-only content for yourself.