December 16, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: Big 12 action heating up
First weekend of Big 12 conference play promises to be competitive
The Big 12 women’s basketball conference has been a hot topic of discussion as teams finish nonconference play and prepare for the start of conference matchups. The league has seen impressive performances, with multiple teams making a mark in the national rankings. On Monday’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, national analyst and host Missy Heidrick bounces all around the Big 12 and previews the first weekend of conference matchups that are just ahead.
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Notably, Kansas State, which holds a 11-1 record, is ranked 13th in the AP poll and sits at the top of the Big 12. Their strong defense, led by All-American center Ayoka Lee, has been a standout feature of their season so far. Despite a loss to Duke, Kansas State’s resilience is evident, especially in their 74-48 win over Middle Tennessee, where they outscored their opponent by a large margin in the second half after a slow start.
West Virginia is another team to watch, with a 10-1 record and a spot in the AP Top 15. Their only loss came to Texas, but the Mountaineers’ depth and defensive prowess make them a formidable opponent in conference play. As Missy notes, “West Virginia has one of the best defenses in the nation,” which has allowed them to consistently control games and secure wins, like their 68-46 victory over Temple. The Big 12 is set to see even more intense competition as teams head into conference play, and it’s clear that the race for the top spot will be highly contested.
Looking ahead, the first weekend of conference play promises to be crucial for teams like Kansas, TCU, and West Virginia, all of which have shown strengths early on. As the season progresses, the Big 12’s competitive balance will be tested, and teams will need to find ways to handle the pressures of playing each other in a highly competitive environment. The conference has already proven to be one of the strongest in women’s basketball, and its teams are ready to show what they’re made of as they enter the next phase of the season.
