Ayrton Oneill
The Big 12 basketball tournament is an exciting and highly anticipated event, with eight teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Houston is the favourite to win the conference tourney title, with Texas Tech and Iowa State also in the mix. However, the Big 12 has a point to prove as it aims to challenge the SEC's dominance and change the perception that it is the best basketball conference in America. With a high percentage of teams reaching the Sweet 16, the Big 12 has the potential to showcase its talent and make a strong statement. Arizona, a newcomer to the Big 12, will take on Duke, with senior guard Caleb Love aiming to lead the Wildcats to victory. The competition is intense, and the outcome is difficult to predict, but one thing is sure: the Big 12 tournament will be a showcase of exceptional basketball talent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 2025 |
| Number of teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament | 8 |
| Teams | Houston, Texas Tech, Arizona, BYU, Iowa State, Kansas, Baylor, West Virginia |
| Previous year's winner | Iowa State |
| Favorite to win | Houston |
| Other favorites | Texas Tech, BYU, Arizona |
| Teams with highest ticket percentage | Iowa State |
| Teams with highest handle percentage | Iowa State |
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What You'll Learn
Houston Cougars: favourites to win the 2025 Big 12 Conference Tournament
The Houston Cougars are the favourites to win the 2025 Big 12 Conference Tournament. The Cougars earned the No. 1 seed, ending the season with a 19-1 league record and finishing four games above No. 2 seed Texas Tech. They received the conference's automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The 2025 Big 12 men's basketball tournament was a postseason tournament played from March 11–15, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center. This was the first tournament with 16 teams participating, with all teams taking part in the tournament. The top eight teams received a first-round bye, and the top four teams received a double bye into the quarterfinals. Teams were seeded by record within the conference.
The Houston Cougars had a successful season, ending with a 19-1 league record, which secured them the No. 1 seed. They faced off against the No. 4 BYU in the tournament, winning 74-54. They then went on to beat No. 3 Arizona 72-64 to secure their place in the final.
The Cougars' strong performance throughout the season and their success in the initial rounds of the tournament have established them as the favourites to win the 2025 Big 12 Conference Tournament. With a talented roster and a strong record, they are well-positioned to claim the championship title.
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Texas Tech: also a favourite to win the 2025 tournament
Texas Tech is a favourite to win the 2025 Big 12 tournament. The Red Raiders were seeded second in the 2025 Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship and are considered a potential national championship contender. Their success is partly due to JT Toppin's decision to return to Lubbock, giving Grant McCasland a legitimate preseason first-team All-American. Texas Tech has also added potential starters through the transfer portal, including LeJuan Watts (Washington State), Donovan Atwell (UNC Greensboro), and Tyeree Bryan (Santa Clara).
Texas Tech's success in the 2025 tournament is not without precedent. Iowa State won the 2024 Big 12 crown and is aiming for its sixth conference title since 2014. Texas Tech's strong performance in the previous season also sets a precedent for their success in 2025. In the 2024-25 season, they rose 19 spots in the rankings, ending up just behind Houston and Purdue.
Texas Tech's roster includes a mix of returning players and new additions. Returning players include Roddy Gayle Jr., Nimari Burnett, and Trey McKenney, who will play on the wings. Dusty May has also added three potential starters for the 2025-26 season: Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina), and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Lendeborg, a potential first-round NBA draft pick, is a standout player with an average of 17.7 points per game at UAB. Cadeau is also a talented player, known for his passing skills, and Johnson is expected to make a significant improvement.
Texas Tech's performance in the 2024-25 season and their strong roster for the 2025-26 season make them a favourite to win the 2025 Big 12 tournament. Their second seeding in the 2025 Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship further supports their status as a top contender.
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Iowa State: won the 2024 Big 12 crown
Iowa State has a rich history in the Big 12 basketball conference, having won the 2024 crown and five conference titles since 2014. The Cyclones, as they are known, have a passionate fan base that believes their team can consistently compete for championships.
In 2024, Iowa State demonstrated their dominance in the Big 12, a conference known for its competitiveness. The Cyclones' victory solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. This win further bolstered the team's reputation and attracted the attention of basketball enthusiasts nationwide.
The 2024 Big 12 crown was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff. The team's success was built on a foundation of strong defence, precise offence, and a deep understanding of the game. The Cyclones' ability to execute plays and outthink their opponents set them apart from the rest of the conference.
Iowa State's victory in the 2024 Big 12 crown was not just a triumph for the school but also an inspiration for basketball programs across the country. It served as a reminder that success in sports is not solely determined by talent but also by hard work, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. The Cyclones' victory ignited a fire in the hearts of aspiring athletes, motivating them to pursue their own championships.
While Iowa State celebrated their 2024 Big 12 crown, they knew that the work for the next season had already begun. Defending their title would be a challenge, and the Cyclones would need to maintain their focus and dedication to remain competitive. The team's success story serves as a reminder that champions are made, not born, and Iowa State's victory will forever be etched in the annals of college basketball history.
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BYU: entered the Sweet 16 on a roll
BYU entered the Sweet 16 on a roll, having won 11 of their last 12 games. The Cougars were taking on the No. 2 seed Alabama, an SEC powerhouse, in their sixth Sweet Sixteen appearance in program history and their first since 2011. BYU's two fantastic guards, Richie Saunders and Egor Demin, were playing at the top of their abilities. Both teams were putting up around 81 points per game and were keen to push the pace and shoot plenty of 3s. ESPN.com's matchup predictor gave the Cougars a 35.2% chance of winning.
BYU's 2023-24 season was their first competing in the Big 12 Conference. Before this, they had 12 seasons in the West Coast Conference. The Cougars posted a 10-8 conference record and went 22-9 during the regular season to finish fifth in the final conference standings. They defeated UCF in the second round of the Big 12 Conference tournament before losing to Texas Tech in the quarterfinals.
BYU has a rich basketball history, with their program having won 1,786 games since it was founded in 1903, ranking 12th among all Division I programs. They won their first conference championship in 1922 as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, led by star point guard River Jeffcoat. The Cougars made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1950 under head coach Stan Watts, qualifying once again in 1951 and winning their first NIT championship. BYU set a record for the largest comeback in an NCAA tournament game in 2012, coming back from 25 points down to beat the Iona Gaels 78–72.
BYU's 2024-25 season ended with a loss to Alabama in the Sweet 16, with a final score of 113-88.
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Arizona: a Big 12 newcomer that can make a huge statement
Arizona is a Big 12 newcomer that can make a huge statement in the 2025 Big 12 Conference Tournament. They are one of eight Big 12 teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Arizona is the No. 4 seed in the East and will take on the No. 1 seed, Duke, in a highly anticipated matchup. Arizona's senior guard, Caleb Love, has had a successful collegiate career at North Carolina, going 5-4 in nine games against Duke with an average of 15 points per game. Love will be crucial in leading the veteran and physical Wildcats against a young but talented Duke squad.
Arizona has a tough challenge ahead, but if they can pull off the win, it would be a significant achievement for the team and the Big 12 conference. Arizona's success in the tournament could help shift the perception that the SEC is the most dominant league in college basketball. With a strong performance, Arizona can prove that the Big 12 conference is a force to be reckoned with.
Houston is the favorite to win the 2025 Big 12 Conference Tournament, but Arizona is a strong contender. They are joined by other hopefuls, including Texas Tech, Iowa State, BYU, and Kansas. Arizona's performance in the tournament will be a crucial factor in determining the perception and ranking of the Big 12 conference.
The dynamics of the 2025 Big 12 bracket play a significant role in each team's path to the championship. Arizona's seed and matchups will impact their chances, but their veteran presence and talented players like Caleb Love give them a competitive edge. Arizona's performance in the tournament will be a testament to their true performance level and a chance to make a powerful statement on behalf of the Big 12 conference.
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Frequently asked questions
Houston are the favourites to win the Big 12 tournament. Texas Tech and Iowa State are also in the mix.
Iowa State has won the most Big 12 tournaments, having won five times since 2014.
Senior guard Caleb Love of Arizona is a standout player, having spent plenty of time facing Duke in his career.
Eight teams are projected to compete: Houston, Texas Tech, Arizona, BYU, Iowa State, Kansas, Baylor and West Virginia.
Big 12 has the highest percentage of teams in the tournament reaching the Sweet 16.
