Schedule, bracket and storylines for the Big 12 men's basketball tournament

The Big 12, aka the best college basketball conference in the country, gave us crazy competition all year — and it’s likely there’s more of the same slated for the conference tournament, which tips off Wednesday. 

These are some of the toughest, most evenly matched teams in America and they’re going to put on a show at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

A word to the wise: Do not underestimate anyone, including 10th-seeded Oklahoma and ninth-seeded Texas Tech. There were no days off in the Big 12 this season, which means truly anything could happen in this tournament. The winner will get the auto bid to the NCAA Tournament, of course, but plenty of other teams — at least six, to be exact — are projected to receive at-large bids. 

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Big 12 tournament schedule, television times

All times Eastern

Wednesday, March 8

First round 

West Virginia 78, Texas Tech 62

Oklahoma State 57, Oklahoma 49

Thursday, March 9

Quarterfinals

Iowa State 78, Baylor 72

Kansas 78, West Virginia 61

Texas 61, Oklahoma State 47

TCU 80, Kansas State 67

Friday, March 10

Semifinals

Kansas 71, Iowa State 58

Texas 66, TCU 60

Saturday, March 11

Championship

Texas 76, Kansas 56

Big 12 tournament favorites

Kansas has ruled this conference all year and is a favorite not just to win the Big 12 tournament but the national championship, and in contention for the No. 1 overall seed. But Texas is tough, too, and Baylor isn’t short on talent. Again, truly anyone could win this tournament but the top six seeds having a bye and fresh(er) legs will certainly be an advantage. 

Big 12 tournament top players

Marcus Carr, G, Texas: The leading scorer (16.2 ppg) of a balanced offensive attack, Carr shoots 43.7% from the field and also loves setting up teammates.

Keyonte George, G, Baylor: The conference’s freshman of the year, George is an NBA lottery pick in waiting who’s scored 20 or more in 12 games this season, a Baylor record.

Dajuan Harris, Jr., G, Kansas: A lockdown defender (he was voted defensive player of the year), he also runs the show for the Jayhawks. 

Keyonte Johnson, F, Kansas State: The conference’s second leading scorer (17.8) and one of its top rebounders (7.0) was named the Big 12 newcomer of the year after transferring from Florida. 

Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas: The unanimous Big 12 player of the year, he led the league in scoring (19.7), rebounding (8.4) and double-doubles (10) this season. 

Big 12 tournament bubble storylines

The Big 12 is expected to get seven teams into the Big Dance, but a strong showing from Oklahoma State, which is squarely on the bubble, could push that number to eight. Texas Tech is on the fringe of the bubble and is in the weird position of competing this week without their head coach, Mark Adams, who was suspended for the conference tournament after a “racially insensitive” comment. 

Follow Lindsay Schnell on Twitter at @Lindsay_Schnell