Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals: 4 Takeaways

On the third day in Kansas City, the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals left much to be desired.

The spirit of March revolves around upsets and close finishes. In the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals, we saw neither. All the higher seeds won by double digits. Despite the scores, there’s still a lot to be taken away from each game, so read below for one takeaway from each Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinal game.

Takeaway #1: Texas Tech beats BYU in their own game

If you’ve watched any BYU games this season, you know exactly how they play. They take a lot of threes and make a lot of threes. In fact, they rank first in the country in attempts, and second in makes. On Thursday, they certainly took them, but couldn’t make them, going 7-35 from deep. Jaxson Robinson went 4-12 from three. The rest of the team? 3-23 (11.5%).

Meanwhile, Texas Tech had a completely different fate, going 9-19 (47%) from deep, including 7-11 (63%) in the first half. Texas Tech built up a big lead, and there was nothing BYU could do from there on. Four of the five starters finished in double digits, and they outrebounded BYU by 8. All keys to winning games. They’ll play Houston next, who of course will be a much more difficult opponent when it comes to scoring. If the shot is falling, Texas Tech can control the game and stun anyone.

Takeaway #2: Houston’s defense shines once again

It’s no secret that Houston’s defense is special. According to Kenpom and many other analytical metrics, Houston has the number one defense in the country, and it showed. TCU didn’t score a single point until there was 10:20 left in the first half and scored just 15 at the half. They shot 18.3% from the field and 0% from three in the first half, and 23.3% and 10% from three in the entire game.

Offensively, Houston wasn’t even that great, but they are so good defensively, that it doesn’t matter. They can beat any team in the country thanks to their defense, and this will be tested Friday when they play Texas Tech, who shot the ball extremely well today.

Takeaway #3: Iowa State dominates the turnover battle

While it isn’t the deciding factor in a game, winning the turnover battle is a huge factor in success for many teams. Iowa State has thrived at forcing turnovers all season, forcing 17.5 a game, second-best in the country. It’s been a huge reason for their success this season and was a huge reason for their success against Kansas State. Iowa State forced 20 turnovers and committed just six.

The Cyclones shot just 1-14 from three but scored 23 points off turnovers, which allowed them to win comfortably. That defense is tough, and when you’ve got guys like Keshon Gilbert grabbing 6 steals, it’s hard to beat this team.

Is the end for Kansas State? Many saw this game as a win and in for the Wildcats, but even with the loss they certainly have a chance, losing in this fashion won’t help their case, but there’s always a chance.

Takeaway #4: RayJ Dennis is once again the difference maker

Baylor has an incredible level of depth when it comes to individual talent. However, there’s one player who ties everything together, and his success usually affects the team’s success.

In the first half, RayJ Dennis had 2 points on 0-8 shooting. He also had just one assist and five turnovers. As a result? Baylor trailed by two at the half. In the second half, he was a completely different player, scoring 11 on 5-6 shooting. Dennis had five assists and one turnover, the opposite of what he had in the first half. As a result? Baylor wins by 12.

Jalen Bridges, Yves Missi, Jayden Nunn, and Ja’Kobe Walter are all super talented and can win games on their own, but to make a deep run, this team will go through Dennis. If we see the first half Dennis in the tournament, it might be a quick trip. However, the second half Dennis, and the one we’ve seen all season can take this Baylor team on a deep run.