On April 22nd, the NCAA announced the matchups for the now annual Big 12/ Big East matchup. Last year, the Big East absolutely dominated, winning eight of the ten games, but the Big 12 will look to even it up this year. Read below to see this year’s matchups and an evaluation of them.
1) Villanova at Texas
It seems that the only reason Villanova isn’t playing Kansas is that they played each other in the last three seasons and people want to see a change. Both teams are bringing back mostly their whole rosters from last year, and if Texas signs top 10 prospect Greg Brown, this game could be a good one. With that being said, Villanova should win either way. Big East 1-0
2) Creighton at Kansas
The neighbors play each other in another potential top 25 matchup. Creighton lost its best player to the draft in Ty-Shon Alexander, but bring back the rest of their core. Kansas loses its’ stars Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike, but keep DPOY Marcus Garrett and add Top 20 prospect, Bryce Thompson. If this was in Creighton, then they would have a chance but no one beats a healthy Kansas team at home. Big 12 1-1
3) Baylor at Seton Hall
It is hard to predict Baylor’s team for next year with the top two scorers Jared Butler and MaCio Teague declaring with a possibility to return, but they are returning most of their core from last year that made them so dangerous. Seton Hall loses First Team All American Myles Powell, but picks up one of the top grad transfers Bryce Aiken to replace him. Seton Hall, like Baylor, is returning most of their team, making this game a toss-up. If Butler and/or Teague return, Baylor should take this one. Big 12 2-1
4) Providence at TCU
Providence was arguably the strangest team last season, beating top 10 teams and losing to bottom feeders. They are losing their best player in Alpha Diallo and aren’t gaining anyone. TCU is the equivalent of Providence in the Big 12, beating three top 25 teams in their conference but losing to the worst two. TCU is also losing their star in Desmond Bane, and his impact will be a bigger loss than Diallo. Making the game at TCU will make it more competitive, but the Providence Friars will squeak this one out. Big East 2-2
5) St John’s at Texas Tech
This game has no reason to be close. Texas Tech has the advantage in almost every category, and are at home. Tech is bringing in three great prospects to go along with a solid returning class. St John’s best player LJ Figueroa declared for the draft, but is most likely returning, and will have to pull off a one-man show of the ages to beat this Tech team. Big 12 3-2
6) Oklahoma at Xavier
Oklahoma isn’t looking for strong next year, losing their Big 12 first-team star Kristian Doolittle and starter Jamal Bienemy while bringing in no one. They still do have Austin Reaves, Brady Manek, and De’Vion Harmon, all solid players. Xavier may be losing their top two scorers if Naji Marshall decides to stay in the draft, but they are bringing in three 4 stars and a solid grad transfer in Nate Johnson. With the home advantage, Xavier should win, but it all depends on if their 4 stars perform at a high level. Big East 3-3
7) West Virginia at Georgetown
Georgetown is probably losing their famous star Mac McClung, but are bringing back potential Big East first-teamer Omer Yurtseven and a top 100 recruit. West Virginia is also losing their star big Oscar Tshierbwe and didn’t pick up a single player from this years freshman class. With this being said, they are bringing back most of their team that warranted them a top 25 finish and top 10 for a good chunk of the season. West Virginia should win this one pretty easily. Big 12 4-3
8) Oklahoma State at Marquette
This is a matchup of recruits. With First Team All American Markus Howard and second-leading scorer Sacar Anim graduating, they will have to rely heavily on top 30 prospect Dawson Garcia for the scoring load. They also bring in two more four stars and returning their defensive stud Theo John. They will have to find a way to beat 247 Sports’ number 1 prospect in the country, Cade Cunningham. Him, plus a recruiting class that’s ranked 10th in the country, and the return of Isaac Likekele makes the hard to beat next season. Big 12 5-3
9) DePaul at Iowa State
If you’re watching this game, good for you because this might be the least entertaining of the group. Iowa State are losing four of their top five players and lost the other half of the team to the transfer portal. They are bringing in a four-star and three 3 stars, but they should be one of the worst Power 5 schools. Luckily for them, DePaul isn’t much better. They lose two of their top three players and don’t have a single ranked recruit coming in. Having Charlie Moore is big, but Iowa State is always a tough game at home and that should be enough to take them down. If there’s any other game on at the same time, watch that instead. Big 12 6-3
10) Kansas State at Butler
Butler lose their top 2 players, and their highest recruit is 148th in the country. They’ll need a big jump from Bryce Nze and Bryce Golden if they want to stay relevant in this game and in the Big East. Kansas State loses two players for graduating and FIVE to the transfer portal. They do have a four-star and four 3 stars coming in, but should still be a bottom feeder in the power 5 like Butler. Kansas State should win this one by single digits, but seriously, unless you’re a Butler or Kansas State fan, do some homework if you’re a student or use this time to get your groceries for the week. Big 12 7-3
Image via Big 12 Conference