Championship Central

No. 8 Nebraska (18-11) vs. No. 9 Baylor (17-13)
11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Big 12 Network
Cornhuskers up to now: Nebraska fought and scratched its way to an 8-8 league record despite being the shortest Division I team. Four of the Cornhuskers eight Big 12 losses came by a total of 15 points. Nebraska compensated for its lack of height with relentless defensive pressure and judicious offensive play (second in the Big 12 in assist/turnover margin). In conference games, Nebraska led the Big 12 in scoring defense and was second in steals.
Bears up to now: After reaching the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time in 20 years, there were high expectations in Waco for 2008-09. But after winning three of its first four conference games, Baylor slumped and lost six in a row. The Bears had problems rebounding and defending the low post. Their talented back court players struggled with consistency and that led to offensive production that dropped off nearly 10 points a game from last season.
Key players: Nebraska - Senior guard Ade Dagunduro, senior guard Steve Harley, junior guard Sek Henry, junior guard Ryan Andeson; Baylor - Senior guard Curtis Jerrells, sophomore guard LaceDarius Dunn, senior foward Kevin Rogers, junior guard Tweety Carter.
Nebraska wins: If it defends. The Cornhuskers held Baylor to 62 points and forced 16 turnovers in Waco Saturday. Nebraska wants and needs this game to be played at a walk-it-up, half-court pace. The Huskers can control the tempo and frustrate Baylor by running their offense patiently and efficiently.
Baylor wins: If the ball goes in the basket. The Bears have had trouble getting all four of its talented guards to play well in the same game. If Baylor can reach its scoring average (77 per game) against Nebraska's relentless defense, it should be able to advance to the quarterfinals.
Previously: Nebraska closed the regular-season with a 66-62 victory at Baylor last Saturday.
Big 12 Championship History: The teams have met twice, the last time 2000. They split the two games. Nebraska is 5-12 in Big 12 postseason play, while Baylor is 5-11.
Up next: The winner of this game plays No. 1 seed Kansas at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.

No. 5 Texas (20-10) vs. No. 12 Colorado (9-21)
2 p.m. Wednesday, Big 12 Network
Longhorns Up To Now: Texas had an uneven conference season because its offense was always in flux. However, since installing sophomore Dogus Balbay at point guard, the Longhorns have had an easier time scoring points. Senior A.J. Abrams, an All-Big 12 selection, is the top outside scoring threat. Texas had several impressive non-conference victories and it hopes to regain that form in the post-season.
Buffaloes Up To Now: Colorado has been a hard luck team all season. The Buffaloes have lost 11 in a row but eight of their Big 12 losses came by 10 or fewer points - inlcuding two overtime defeats. Sophomore Cory Higgins is a marvelous all-around scorer but Colorado lacks strength in the front court.
Key Players: Texas - Senior guard A.J. Abrams, junior forward Damion James, junior center Dexter Pittman, sophomore guard Dogus Balbay; Colorado - Sophomore guard Cory Higgins, junior guard Dwight Thorne II, freshman forward Austin Dufault, freshman guard Nate Tomlinson.
Texas Wins: If Damion James scores 20. The Longhorns need James, a junior forward, to score from the low post and on offensive rebounds. Texas figures to have an advantage in the front court and James, one of the Big 12's most mecurial players, needs to make sure the Longhorns dominate in the paint.
Colorado Wins: If the Buffaloes can keep Texas off the boards. One of Colorado's major shortcomings has been its rebounding and defense in the low post. The Longhorns like to pound it inside and hit the offensive boards. If the Buffs can keep UT from dominating around the rim, they've got a chance to pull the upset.
Previously: Texas won at Colorado, 85-76, in overtime on Feb. 14.
Big 12 Championship History: Texas has a 2-1 edge over Colorado but the Buffaloes won the last meeting, an 81-69 decision in 2005. Texas is 15-12 in Big 12 postseason play while Colorado is 7-12.
Up next: The winner of this game faces No. 4 seed Kansas State Thursday in the quarterfinals.

No. 7 Oklahoma State (20-10) vs. No. 10 Iowa State (15-16)
6 p.m. Wednesday, Big 12 Network.
Cowboys Up To Now: Oklahoma State has won six of its last seven games. The spurt began when coach Travis Ford decided to go with a four-guard lineup. James Anderson, a 6-6 sophomore, has flourished playing "power forward." Oklahoma State has little height or depth. The Cowboys' best post player is 6-6 sophomore Marshall Moses. Senior point guard Byron Eaton has had a marvelous season.
Cyclones Up To Now: Iowa State has been a one-man team. Craig Brackins, a 6-10 sophomore, averages 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds game. The Cyclones average 64 points a game so it's obvious they need to get Brackins some help. Coach Greg McDermott's teams are solid defensively and this year's group has kept that tradition alive.
Key Players: Oklahoma State - Senior guard Byron Eaton, sophomore guard/forward James Anderson, sophomore forward Marshall Moses, senior guard Terrell Harris; Iowa State - Sophomore center/forward Craig Brackins; sophomore guard Diante Garrett, sophomore guard Lucca Staiger, senior guard Bryan Peterson.
Oklahoma State Wins: If Byron Eaton avoids foul trouble. The senior point guard often flirts with disqualification but he's the one player the Cowboys can't do without. If Eaton can stay on the floor, he should be able to break down Iowa State's defense and set up Oklahoma State's 3-point shooters for open looks.
Iowa State Wins: If someone other Brackins can score. Brackins, the talented 6-10 sophomore, should at least get his average (20 points) against the height-challenged Cowboys. The Cyclones need 3-point shooter Lucca Staiger or penetrating guard Diante Garrett to come close to matching Brackins' production.
Previously: Oklahoma State defeated Iowa State, 86-67, in Stillwater on Feb. 14.
Big 12 Championship History: Oklahoma State has a 2-1 edge over Iowa State. Oklahoma State 16-10 in Big 12 postseason play while Iowa State is 7-11.
Up next: The winner of this game will play No. 2 seed Oklahoma Thursday in the quarterfinals.

No. 6 Texas A&M (23-8) vs. No. 11 Texas Tech (13-18)
8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Big 12 Network.
Aggies Up To Now: Texas A&M carries a six-game winning streak to Oklahoma City and that surge might have put the Aggies into the NCCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. A&M had a solid non-conference record then started 3-7 in the Big 12. The Aggies are averaging nearly 77 points a game during the winning streak and they're 16-0 this season when scoring at least 72. A&M has good balance in its scoring but senior Josh Carter has been particularly reliable during the winning streak.
Red Raiders Up To Now: Five of Texas Tech's Big 12 losses came by 10 or fewer points. The Red Raiders have struggled defensively, allowing nearly 79 points a game and also have issues with rebounding and turnovers. Texas Tech, though, has some outstanding shooters on the perimeter.; the Red Raiders are third in the Big 12 in 3-point shooting (37.7 percent).
Key Players: Texas A&M - Senior guard Josh Carter, junior guard Donald Sloan, junior center Chinemulu Elonu, junior forward Bryan Davis; Texas Tech - Sophomore guard John Roberson; sophomore forward Mike Singletary; senior guard Alan Voskuil, freshman center Robert Lewandowski.
Texas A&M Wins: If it is aggressive on offense. In the Aggies' two victories over Texas Tech, they totaled 79 free throw attempts and outscored Texas Tech at the line 49-22. A&M should have the advantage inside and it needs to force the Red Raiders to defend the paint.
Texas Tech Wins: If the 3-point shots fall. The Raiders roasted Kansas from behind the line, making 15-of-27 3-pointers. Texas Tech has enough perimeter shooters to stretch A&M's defense. If the Raiders can make at least 10 from beyond the arc, they've got a chance to advance to the second round.
Previously: Texas A&M won both meetings between the teams this season - 79-70 in College Station, 79-73 in Lubbock.
Big 12 Championship History: The teams have met once before with Texas Tech winning in 2002. Texas A&M is 3-12 in Big 12 postseason play while Texas Tech is 10-12.
Up next: The winner of this game faces No. 3 seed Missouri in Thursday's quarterfinals.