Big 12 Tournament 2015: Semifinals Schedule, Live Stream, Bracket Predictions

We expected the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament to be dramatic, and they didn't disappoint, providing fans with four great games. Things should only get better in the semifinals.

While Thursday's action showed off the conference's overall depth, Friday will be an opportunity for the top teams to truly show what they can do in two battles of the league's elite. These will be important games for the squads to not only try to earn a spot in the finals, but also improve their seed for the NCAA tournament.

Although the league has been unpredictable all year, here is an attempt to project what will happen on Day 3 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Note: A full bracket is available at Big12Sports.com. 

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 4 Baylor

USA TODAY Sports

When: Friday, March 13

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Although it was a struggle, Baylor pulled away from West Virginia late to secure the first spot in the semifinals. After the game, head coach Scott Drew actually explained why he enjoys the tough outings.

"That's the great thing about playing in the Big 12," Drew told reporters, per The Associated Press, via The Dallas Morning News. "If you're going to win, they're probably going to be close games. A lot of different styles."

This ability to adapt to different environments has been vital for Baylor all season, and it will be extremely helpful going forward. Of course, the Bears can also impose their will on other teams by pounding the paint and scoring down low. Rico Gathers, Royce O'Neale and Taurean Prince combined for 49 points in the win over West Virginia.

If they can keep this up against Kansas, they have a chance to pull off the upset. As Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports noted, the absence of Perry Ellis looms large:

With Cliff Alexander also dealing with eligibility issues, the Jayhawks will struggle to keep up in the post and on the boards.

Kelly Oubre and Frank Mason have proven in the past few weeks there are still players on the roster capable of carrying the team, but Baylor has been playing extremely well also and should keep it going with a trip to the conference tournament finals.

Prediction: Baylor 68, Kansas 66

No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 3 Oklahoma

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

When: Friday, March 13

Time: 9 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Oklahoma and Iowa State played twice this season, and both games were instant classics, with the home team winning each game. While fans are almost guaranteed a great battle in this third installment, it also comes with bad news for the Sooners: This is basically a home game for Iowa State.

The Cyclones fans have a knack for taking over Kansas City, as ESPN's Dana O'Neil pointed out last game:

While the team didn't play its best game of the year, the fans were instrumental in the late rally to beat Texas. Iowa State scored the final 12 points of the game, including the game-winning buzzer-beater by Monte Morris.

Another issue for Oklahoma is its lack of depth. The Sooners received zero bench points in the quarterfinal win over Oklahoma State, and this problem is exacerbated when teams are forced to play two days in a row.

Iowa State knows how to push the pace, and it could cause plenty of fatigue for Oklahoma. It will remain a close game, but this could be the difference late.

Prediction: Iowa State 75, Oklahoma 71

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