NCAA Tournament: A Closer Look at the Big 12, Marcus Smart and the Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Oregon Ducks were picked as the #12 seed playing in the Midwest Regional. Their first game is Thursday afternoon just before 2pm Pacific time against #5 seed Oklahoma State. Both of these teams are fairly close both in the Win/Loss Column. The Ducks finished the year 28-6, 12-6 in the Pac 12 – Kansas State finished 24-8, 13-5 in the Big 12. The Big 12 conference was led this season by both Kansas, a Number 1 seed in the Tournament and playing in the South Region and Kansas State, a 4 seed in the West.

Feb 27, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) during the game against TCU Horned Frogs at the Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. Oklahoma State Cowboys won 64-47. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

In the Big 12 Conference Tournament, the Cowboys made it to the Semifinals, beating Baylor 74-72 and losing the following day to #11 in the country Kansas State 68-57. For the game Oklahoma State shot less 30 percent from the field and were 5 for 21 on Three pointers (23 percent). Oregon has had several games this year where they have shot 30 percent, most came with a loss. A good start for the Ducks just may be a key to the game on Thursday.

Oklahoma State Freshman Marcus Smart was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and also the Freshman of the Year. The do everything player led the Cowboys in points this season(15 per game). He averages 6 rebounds per contest and shot 40 percent from the field. Quite the talent in the Big 12.

"One of the Best 12 Seeds I’ve Ever Seen –Oklahoma State Head Coach Travis Ford on Oregon"

The Cowboys are returning to the Tournament for the third time in five seasons under Head Coach Travis Ford. Other members of the media talked about Oklahoma State making the big dance, and also discussed the importance of Marcus Smart.

Oregon faces Oklahoma State on Thursday in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament in San Jose, California. Tip time is Approximately 1:40PT on TNT.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

Oregon Basketball: Coach Dana Altman Chats with Jim Rome about NCAA Seeding, Oklahoma State and the Season 

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