2019 Big 12 Tournament Betting Odds, Preview: 2 Sleepers With Futures Value
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured:Texas Tech guard Jarrett Culver
- The Big 12 Tournament will tip off on Wednesday, March 13 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.
- No. 2 seed Texas Tech enters as the clear favorite in the betting market, as the Red Raiders are +150 to win the title.
- While Texas Tech is clearly the class of the conference, Kansas has historically owned this tourney and two sleepers are worth a look.
The biggest story of the Big 12 regular season was Kansas’ regular season championship streak coming to an end after a dominant, 14-year reign. The Jayhawks in-state rival Kansas State and Texas Tech tied for first, which marked the first-ever Big 12 regular season title for the Red Raiders.
As you might expect, Kansas has also historically owned the Big 12 Tournament. The defending champion Jayhawks have won 11 titles since the tournament’s inception in 1997; the rest of the conference also has 11 — combined — over that span.
Will Kansas’ historical dominance in the Big 12 postseason also come to and end, or will it right the ship in Kansas City? Let’s take a closer look at who should win, two potential sleepers and some first round matchup thoughts.
2019 Big 12 Tournament Odds, Format
- Who: All 10 Big 12 Teams
- Format: Top 6 seeds receive a bye
- When: March 13-16
- Where: Kansas City, Mo.
- How to Watch: ESPN
- Defending Champion: Iowa State
Who Should Win
Texas Tech +150
The Red Raiders have some of the best efficiency numbers in the nation, especially on defense. Head coach Chris Beard’s crew ranks first in the nation in Defensive Efficiency and Effective FG%. And during Big 12 play, Texas Tech tops the Big 12 in Effective Feld Goal Percentage on both offense and defense.
TTU is led by Jared Culver, who should be in the discussion for National Player of the Year. He also has shooters all over the perimeter. This is as well-coached and efficient a team as you will find in the country.
Tech’s path to a Big 12 title starts with a matchup against the winner of Oklahoma or West Virginia. I expect it to advance to then meet the winner of Kansas or Texas — two teams the Red Raiders went 3-1 against during the regular season, with the only loss coming in Lawrence.
If the seeds hold, the Red Raiders face Kansas State in the final. Our power ratings would make them about a seven-point favorite in that matchup. They are clearly the class of the conference right now. And while +150 might not look appetizing, a rollover moneyline parlay may not retrieve the same odds, especially if we get some upsets.