Dark Horses in the Big 12 Tournament

The Big 12 Tournament is finally here and the bracket is set. Things definitely look different this year, especially for the Kansas Jayhawks. This is the first time since 2000 that Kansas has been lower than a three-seed in the Big 12 Tournament.

This will be the first year that there will be a first and second round before the quarterfinals since the Big 12 started. With the addition of four new teams in the offseason, things look a little different this season.

Newcomers have been the story though for the Big 12 this season. No. 1 Houston, who is also the one seed in the tournament, won the regular season title in their first season in the Big 12. BYU also impressed this season finishing fifth in a tough conference.

It will be interesting to see how the Big 12 Tournament plays out this season. We have seen these teams beat up each other all season long. However, I think some teams aren't expected to do well, that have the potential to be dark horses that no one saw coming.

1. No. 10 Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State has been up and down this season, but they have shown the potential of being a really good team. The Wildcats play their best at home and the Big 12 Tournament is in Kansas City, MO, just a couple hours away from Manhattan. There could be a significant home crowd advantage for the Wildcats that could help boost them. K-State is fighting for its life to get into the NCAA Tournament. Their big win over No. 6 Iowa State could give them the right kind of momentum heading into March Madness.

2. No. 11 Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati seemed to be a sneaky and dangerous team all season long. They might not have won all the big games, but they found ways to give teams a true run for their money. The Bearcats have the fourth-best defense in the conference and could use that to their advantage in the tournament. I am just saying, don't be surprised if you see Cincinnati get one or two upsets in the Big 12 Tournament.

3. No. 12 UCF Knights

UCF is a very interesting team. They found a way to get seven conference wins, when I, also a UCF fan, didn't think they would get more than one. UCF has a solid defense that can wear out an opponent, and this team always seems to play up to thier opponent. I mean, they did have No. 1 Houston on the ropes for the majority of their second matchup. UCF won't get into March Madness without a conference championship but don't be surprised if you win them suddenly winning in the tournament.

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