Big 12 Tournament 2012 Schedule and Bracket: Underdogs Who Will Make Deep Runs

The new-look Big 12 kicks off its conference tournament on Wednesday with two games at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. It is a top-heavy year for the conference, with Kansas and Missouri towering over the other teams. 

But this is March, and upsets always happen this time of the year. Underdogs come out to play when their backs are against the wall. Even though the Jayhawks and Tigers are going to be overwhelming favorites to win, as they should be, but there are some intriguing teams ready to make a lot of noise. 

Here are the underdog teams that will make deep runs in the Big 12 tournament this week. 

Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats were very good outside of the Big 12 this season, posting an 11-1 record. They were mediocre in the conference, but they do hold victories over Missouri and Baylor already. 

They will start with Baylor on Thursday, which bodes well for the Wildcats. The Bears have struggled against quality competition this season. 

A potential matchup with Kansas would await the Wildcats in the semifinals, but they have played them well this season. There is no reason to think they would be intimidated against the big boys of the Big 12. 

Texas Longhorns

Never underestimate the power of a desperate team on the bubble. The Longhorns need at least one to ensure their ticket to the big dance. Starting with Iowa State on Thursday is going to be the start of something special for this team. 

They split the season series with the Cyclones, with each winning on their home floor. The biggest problem that this team has had is shooting. Their offensive firepower is outstanding, but they aren't efficient with their shot selection. 

All that will change in the blink of an eye, as the Longhorns are primed to make a statement after losing to Kansas in the regular-season finale. 

Oklahoma Sooners

Admittedly, this is going out on a limb because the Sooners have had a litany of problems this season. There is one thing they have that can give them hope: Sharpshooters in the backcourt. 

Calvin Newell Jr. and Steven Pledger have carried this offense all season long. They are great shooters who don't need to chuck the ball up 12-15 times in order to get their points. It is imperative that they are on point for this team to have a chance. 

They should have little problems with Texas A&M on Wednesday before a date with Kansas on Thursday. That will be the ultimate test for the Sooners. 

Bracket and Schedule Info

Note: All times EST

Round 1 (Wed, 3/7)	Quarterfinals (Thurs, 3/8)	Semifinals (Fri, 3/9)	Final (Sat, 3/10)
	No. 4 Baylor
	Game 3, 11:30 a.m., ESPN2
No. 8 Oklahoma	No. 5 Kansas State	Game 3 Winner
Game 1, 6:00 p.m. Big 12 Network		Game 7, 6:30 p.m., Big 12 Network/ESPNU
No. 9 Texas A&M	No. 1 Kansas	Game 4 Winner
	Game 4, 2 p.m., ESPN2
	Game 1 Winner		Game 7 Winner
			Game 9, 5:00 p.m., ESPN
	No. 2 Missouri		Game 8 Winner
	Game 5, 6:00 p.m., Big 12 Network
No. 7 Oklahoma State	Game 2 Winner	Game 5 Winner
Game 2, 8:30 p.m. Big 12 Network		Game 8, 9:00 p.m., Big 12 Network/ESPNU
No. 10 Texas Tech	No. 3 Iowa State	Game 6 Winner
	Game 6, 8:30 p.m., Big 12 Network
	No. 6 Texas

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