Big 12 Basketball Tournament 2011: Who Needs To Win To Make the Big Dance?

Currently, ESPN.com Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has six Big 12 teams heading to The Big Dance: No. 2 Kansas, No. 10 Texas, No. 21 Texas A&M, No. 23 Kansas State, Missouri and Colorado.

However, Colorado (part of the last four in) remains on the bubble as does Baylor (part of the next four out), which leads us to the rest of the Big 12.

Baylor, Nebraska (also part of next four out), Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Iowa State need some magic to happen.

Therefore, here are those schools needing to win the Big 12 Conference Tournament if they wish to crash the dance next week.

Iowa State Cyclones

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CHICAGO - JANUARY 06: LaRon Dendy #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones goes up for a dunk against the Duke Blue Devils at the United Center on January 6, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Iowa State 86-65. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

RECORD: 16-15 (3-13)

NOTABLE WINS: Nebraska, Colorado

NOTABLE LOSSES: Kansas, Kansas State, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: 61

RPI: 129

Since conference play began back in January, the Iowa State Cyclones have improved despite their record.

And, with a big win coming last week versus Colorado, Iowa State can at least play the spoiler role.

Another W over the Buffaloes could potentially knock them out of the dance with a win in the first round.

However, that alone will not be enough as the Cyclones need a conference tournament championship if they wish to go dancing.

Otherwise, better luck next year. 

Texas Tech Red Raiders

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COLUMBIA, MO - FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Pat Knight of the Texas Tech Red Raiders yelss toward players during the game against the Missouri Tigers on February 15, 2011 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

RECORD: 13-18 (5-11)

NOTABLE WINS: Baylor, Oklahoma State, Nebraska

NOTABLE LOSSES: Washington, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: 68

RPI: 158

Much like Iowa State, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are in the dire straits that is the NIT (at best) if they do not win their conference tournament.

However, they too can play the spoiler role if they upset Missouri in round one.

And, even if they manage to pull of the W versus Mizzou, they then have to play in-state rival Texas A&M.

Barring a miracle, see you next year, Texas Tech.

Oklahoma Sooners

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 10: Cade Davis #34 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts in the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first round game of the 2010 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the Sprint Center on March 10, 2010 i

RECORD: 13-17 (5-11)

NOTABLE WINS: Baylor, Colorado

NOTABLE LOSSES: Kansas, Kansas State, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Arizona

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: 66

RPI: 135

For as many notable losses Oklahoma has, winning at least three of those may have put the Sooners on the bubble.

However, they did split the season series versus Baylor and face the Bears in the first round.

The winner plays a very susceptible Texas team that has struggled a bit down the stretch.

So, don't be surprised if Oklahoma gets to the Big 12 semifinals.

Also, Baylor is not a "for sure" selection on Sunday as of now, so a Sooner upset would put a dagger into the heart of the Bears.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 19: Head coach Travis Ford of the Oklahoma State Cowboys talks with Marshall Moses #33 and Fred Gulley #21 while taking on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradle

RECORD: 18-12 (6-10)

NOTABLE WINS: Kansas State, Missouri, Baylor

NOTABLE LOSSES: Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas, Colorado

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: 41

RPI: 63

Already having lost to Nebraska in the regular season, Oklahoma State should be out for revenge.

If the Cowboys get it, great. However, they then would have to face off against No. 1 seed Kansas.

But, which Oklahoma State Cowboy team will show up, the one that got shellacked by Kansas and Texas, or the one that beat K-State and Mizzou?

Cowboy fans can only hope for the latter.  

Baylor Bears

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HOUSTON - MARCH 28: Anthony Jones #41 of the Baylor Bears moves against the Duke Blue Devils during the south regional final of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium on March 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Duke defeated Baylor 78-71.

RECORD: 18-12 (7-9)

NOTABLE WINS: Oklahoma State, Colorado, Texas A&M, Nebraska

NOTABLE LOSSES: Washington State, Florida State, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: 57

RPI: 84

After finishing the 2009-2010 season 28-8 with an appearance in the Elite Eight, Baylor has taken a step or two backwards.

They will first face the Oklahoma Sooners, who got the last laugh in the regular season.

Some experience returns from last season's Elite Eight squad, which gives them an edge at this time of the year.

A Big 12 finals appearance could sneak them into the tourney (but the chances are extremely slim unless they win it all).

Nebraska Cornhuskers

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LAWRENCE, KS - JANUARY 15: Head coach Doc Sadler of the Nebraska Cornhuskers instructs Toney McCray #0 during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on January 15, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

RECORD: 19-11 (7-9)

NOTABLE WINS: USC, Colorado, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Texas, Missouri

NOTABLE LOSSES: Vanderbilt, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, Colorado

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: 54

RPI: 78

Let's face it: Nebraska University is not known for its men's basketball team.

Football and wrestling are what dominate the school in the great plains, but this year's basketball team is turning some heads.

The Cornhuskers haven't made the NCAA tournament since 1998, and have only won one conference tournament (1994).

However, with a respectable strength of schedule, Nebraska could make some noise if it makes a run over the next few days.