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Big 12 Supremacy: Tight Race Emerges

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 11:54 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia, UNITED STATES

Big 12: A Tight Race for Supremacy

The Big 12 continues to be one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, with multiple teams vying for the top spot. Saturday's games underscore this intensity.

• Kansas State at Baylor: Baylor (17-6, 8-4) hosts Kansas State (13-11, 6-7) as a 3.5-point favorite. While Baylor's record is certainly stronger, a closer look reveals a team that has recently found its rhythm. Their home-court advantage is significant, and a relatively easy schedule to start February has allowed them to build momentum. Kansas State, however, is a scrappy team capable of an upset. The Wildcats' offense has been inconsistent, and they'll need a stellar performance from their guards to keep pace. The "fearless forecast" of a Baylor cover seems solid, predicated on their improving form and home advantage. A key factor to watch is Baylor's three-point shooting - if they're connecting from beyond the arc, Kansas State will struggle to stay competitive.

• Iowa State at Texas: This matchup pits two strong Big 12 contenders against each other. Iowa State (17-7, 9-4) is a slight 1-point favorite on the road against Texas (16-8, 7-5). Iowa State's success is heavily reliant on their defense, consistently ranking among the best in the conference in points allowed. However, Texas boasts a potent offense, capable of overwhelming opponents when they're in sync. The Cyclones' road performance will be crucial; can they maintain their defensive intensity away from home? The forecast of an Iowa State cover hinges on their ability to control the tempo and limit Texas's scoring opportunities. Expect a low-scoring, physical contest.

Big East: Tournament Battles Begin

The Big East is also shaping up to be a thrilling race to March Madness, with several teams battling for NCAA tournament bids.

• Xavier at St. John's: Xavier (15-9, 6-7) travels to face St. John's (15-9, 6-7) with the Red Storm favored by 2.5 points. Both teams are currently on the bubble, making this game particularly important for their tournament hopes. Xavier's recent surge in performance, coupled with a slightly more balanced roster, makes them a dangerous opponent. St. John's relies heavily on their individual star players, but can be inconsistent. The forecast of a Xavier cover acknowledges their current momentum and potentially better overall team play.

• Creighton at Butler: Creighton (17-7, 10-3) is a significant 7.5-point favorite on the road against Butler (13-12, 5-8). Creighton's strong offense and overall talent make them a formidable force in the Big East. Butler, while capable of flashes of brilliance, has struggled with consistency. The forecast leans heavily towards a Creighton cover, as they possess a clear advantage in nearly every facet of the game. However, Butler's home-court advantage shouldn't be underestimated.

• Cincinnati at UConn: UConn (19-5, 11-2) is a commanding 8.5-point favorite at home against Cincinnati (14-11, 6-7). UConn is a legitimate national championship contender, showcasing a dominant offense and stifling defense. Cincinnati, despite a mediocre record, is a tough, physical team. The forecast of a Cincinnati cover is the most surprising of the bunch, suggesting that UConn may be slightly overvalued. Cincinnati's physicality and ability to disrupt UConn's offensive flow could keep the game closer than expected.

Pac-12: Arizona State Looks to Solidify Position

• Arizona State at UCLA: Arizona State (16-8, 8-5) is a 3-point favorite on the road against a struggling UCLA team (12-12, 4-9). UCLA has been a major disappointment this season, failing to live up to preseason expectations. Arizona State, on the other hand, has emerged as a consistent contender in the Pac-12. The forecast of an Arizona State cover reflects their greater consistency and UCLA's recent struggles.

Important Considerations for Betting

It's crucial to remember that these are just predictions, and upsets happen. Factors such as injuries, player fatigue, and unexpected performances can significantly impact game outcomes. Before placing any bets, it's always advisable to research team statistics, player matchups, and recent news to make informed decisions.