Picks, Point Spread, Preview: What to Know for OSU vs. Baylor

The Cowboys are on to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals with a chance to put their hot streak to the test against the nation’s No. 2 team — all with a ticket to the conference championship game on the line.

OSU fell to Baylor in Waco with Cade Cunningham sitting the final 47 seconds and with Isaac Likekele sitting the entire 40 minutes. Both will be available on Friday night. How much of a difference will they make? Here’s how we see things playing out.

Picks

• Spread (KenPom): Baylor -9

Marshall Scott: As I said in my five thoughts from Thursday’s game, OSU has put together two strong halves against Baylor, but they came in different games. I hereby predict OSU to have two strong halves against Baylor in the same game. The Big 12 Tournament has been fairly standard issue with the 1, 2, 3 and 5 seeds all making the semifinals, so Friday is the day that things get spruced up a bit.

Pick: Oklahoma State 75, Baylor 72

Kyle Boone: Look, I do not know why this is the case, but I’ve had a hard time fully buying into this Oklahoma state team. Maybe I’m hedging my emotions. But I am ready to be hurt. Give me Cade and the Boys with the stunner of the day. Need it!

Pick: Oklahoma State 70, Baylor 68

Kyle Cox: Nine points is a lot against a team that scraps like the Cowboys do, and the Bears haven’t faced them with both Cade Cunningham and Isaac Likekele available. I’m about to talk myself into the upset. There, OK, I did it. I’m taking the Pokes to continue to the conference title game for the first time since Eddie Sutton and his scowl were roaming the bench in KC.

Pick: Oklahoma State 82, Baylor 81

Viewing information

• Tip time: 5:30 p.m. Friday

• Location: T Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri

• Channel: ESPN