Before the Big Dance begins next week there will be clashes in big conference tournament play as preparation for some March Madness attendees.  The Big 12 conference is home to the number one ranked team in the country, the Kansas Jayhawks.  Kansas won the Big Dance just 2 years ago and they have won the Big 12 Championship a sweet 6 times in a row.  They are almost a cinch to take the number one seed in the Big Dance but they are probably not going to be the only March Madness attendees from the Big 12.

Over a half dozen teams in the Big 12 seem to be headed for the NCAA Tournament next week.  Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Missouri are all expected to attend as well unless they have a train wreck in the conference tournament.  Texas was ranked number one in the country earlier in the season.

The Big East Conference is powerful as well.  The Syracuse Orange are 28-3 on the year and also were ranked number one in the country at one time.  They are favored to win the Big East tournament but there are some teams that might take exception to that.  Pittsburgh finished 24-7, West Virginia ended up at 24-6 as did Villanova.  Throw Marquette and Louisville in the mesh with 20 wins a piece and this one could be fun.

The Atlantic Coast Conference has taken a beating this year but the Duke and Maryland should still make things interesting.  Duke finished 26-5 while Maryland earned a 23-7 record.  Virginia Tech was also 23-7 while Clemson and Florida State both finished with 21 or more wins this season as well.  Many believe the ACC has lost its edge but I would not ignore this conference.  Those that shake them off may get surprised.

The Big 10 Conference looks good as well.  Purdue finished 26-4 and Ohio State 24-7.  Michigan State ended up at 24-7 as well and Wisconsin contributed a 23-7 season.  Michigan State wound up playing the North Carolina Tar Heels for the NCAA Championship last year but came up empty.  You can’t count these contenders down and out.  One of these teams could easily make a run again.  The excitement just keeps on building and it will continue to do so, you can bet on it.  Until we meet again may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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