Big 12's Excellent Home Records Prop Up Best Conference Argument

Until last night, the Big 12 Conference was 114-1 in home games this season. For me, its just another point maker in the larger argument of which conference is college basketball's best this season. 

The Big 12 had lost a mere total of 30 games combined  before heading into league play. 

The league has the nation's two best teams. Yes, I know that Kansas is ranked No. 3 but they weren't ranked No. 1 the entire year during the 2007-08 season when they won it all. 

While Kansas and Texas will get most of the glory this season (most everyone would be shocked if they don't finish first and second in the league), the conference has the best depth of any in the nation. 

Kansas State fell victim to the Big 12 home court bug in their first conference game, but they were playing against a Missouri team that has the pieces to make the tournament in March. 

Likewise, Baylor, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State all have legitimate shots at making the postseason if they continue to play to their potential. 

Even the league's "lesser" teams this year such as Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Colorado have shown that they are going to be a forced to be reckoned with, at least on their home courts. 

While Joe Lunardi, ESPN's resident "Bracketologist" is continuing to put just six teams from the Big 12 in the tournament, I wouldn't be shocked if up to seven teams from this conference to make it to the "Big Dance." In fact, I'm expecting it.

Sure, all three home teams lost last night: Iowa State to Texas, Nebraska to Kansas, and Texas Tech to Missouri.

However, if you had watched the games, you'd know that Iowa State was leading at halftime and never went away, losing only by seven.

Kansas struggled early with Nebraska and trailed the Huskers at halftime. 

Texas Tech forced overtime against Missouri after Missouri looked to have the game in the bag. And had two free throws that both went agonizingly in and out, gone in, Missouri would have been bitten by the home court bug. 

The fact that Big 12 teams have shown early on in conference play that they are all going to be tough to beat at home says something about the character of the winning teams. 

It is very likely that 12 wins could be all that is needed to win this league. And since this league has the nation's two best teams, that is saying something. 

You'd be hard pressed to convince me that there is a better conference in college basketball now than the Big 12. Staggering home records, and great combined records speak for themselves. 

A league that showcases the nation's top two teams, and additional six teams that could theoretically be ranked during any week of the remainder of the season, combined with the grit and determination we've already seen from underdogs is going to make this Big 12 season the best one to watch.