Major Conference Tourney Preview, Part 2

Part 1 can be found here.

Let' move on with the last three.

Big 12

March 9-12

Regular Season Champion: Texas 25-5 (13-3) and Kansas 22-7 (13-3)

Favorite: The favorite has to be Texas at this point, especially when considering their last couple of games, where they handily beat the #2 and #3 seeds, Kansas and Oklahoma respectively. They are back to playing at a high level, and this makes them the favorite.

Darkhorse: Oklahoma St. - As they showed when they beat Texas by 21, or when they lost to Gonzaga on an Adam Morrison prayer, they can hang with anyone . JamesOn Curry is a very good offensive player, and the Cowboys play solid defense. It's a long shot, but if things break right for 4 days, they can compete. Of course, I can also see them bowing out in round 1 to Iowa St and Curtis Stinson. But we'll see.

My Pick: Texas - The most talented team in the conference, the most seasoned, and they are starting to play well again. If Gibson plays up to his level, and Aldridge and Tucker continue to do what they do, there is no one in the conference that can compete with them. Which is why I think we'll see a rematch of the Red River Shootout, and like Sunday, Texas will beat Oklahoma.


Pac-10

March 8-11

Regular Season Champion: UCLA 24-6 (14-4)

Favorite: I'd say there is probably dual favorites here. UCLA has been a very good team all year, and they are slowly becoming healthier, but Washington has had their number this year, and they are playing very good basketball this year. I think these two are on a crash course to meet in the Pac-10 Title Game.

Darkhorse: This would be Arizona if Hassan Adams was playing, but he's suspended for the Tournament. So I'll go with Standord. Despite their non-conference disaster, they are still a decent team, and they know they have to win it all to get in, so there will be an added measure of desparation.

My Pick: Washington - but barely. They're the hottest team in the conference, and Brandon Roy is the best player in the conference right now. I think Washington and UCLA are two very good teams that have a chance to make a little noise in the tourney, which is why I think they'll face off in the championship.


SEC

March 9-12

Regular Season Champion: LSU 22-7 (14-2)

Favorite: The favorite is probably Tennessee since Tyrus Thomas is not playing in the SEC Tourney. LSU won the West Division, and Tennessee won the East Division. They are not playing really well right now, but then again, neither is LSU.

Darkhorse: Arkansas - The Razorbacks are playing well right now, having won 5 straight, including wins against Florida and Tennessee. But the biggest reason they can do well is Ronnie Brewer, who is playing great right now. He's averaging 18.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 3.1 APG. In their win at Tennessee, he only had 9 points, but he also doled out 9 assists and pulled down 5 rebounds. He can take them to an SEC Title.

My Pick: Florida - They have good balance with 5 guys scoring in double figures. They have lost to Tennessee twice already this year in close games, but the 3rd time's the charm. LSU is also a threat, but they did beat them 71-62, and they are not a real good matchup for LSU. That's why I like Florida over Tennessee in the final.

And with that, my previews are done. These games kick off tomorrow, with Cincinnati taking on Syracuse at 11 central time on ESPN, and both teams could use a win, especially Syracuse. The Pac-10 also kicks off tomorrow night with a couple of games. The rest of these tourneys start on Thursday. So kick back and enjoy the best time of the sports year!