Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/10/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/10/26

OKLAHOMA STATE @ COLORADO (COL -2.5, 164.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

COWBOYS @ BUFFALOES 3/10/26

The Big 12 Tournament kicks off today, March 10, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, featuring a first-round clash between the #14 seed Oklahoma State Cowboys (18-13, 6-12 Big 12) and the #11 seed Colorado Buffaloes (17-14, 7-11 Big 12). This is a "win or go home" scenario for both squads, particularly Colorado, whose at-large NCAA Tournament hopes have evaporated, leaving the conference auto-bid as their only path to the Big Dance.

Oklahoma State enters this matchup having shown flashes of high-level play, including a recent 111-104 shootout win over UCF and a competitive 82-75 loss to #1 seed Houston to close the regular season. Colorado, meanwhile, started the season a blistering 8-0 but struggled with the depth of the Big 12, most recently falling 89-79 to Arizona.

Oklahoma State has been a resilient underdog lately. While their conference record is 6-12, they have covered the spread in 6 of their last 10 games. Notably, they covered a massive +13.5 line against Houston in their season finale, losing by only 7 points. Colorado has struggled significantly away from Boulder, posting a 2-8 straight-up record on the road and a 3-7 ATS record in non-home games.

The statistical profile suggests a much closer game than the seeding implies. Oklahoma State's offense ranks 37th nationally in points scored (83.56 PPG), which matches up perfectly against a Colorado defense that ranks 294th, giving up 78.19 PPG. In their last meeting on February 21, Oklahoma State pushed Colorado to the brink in an 83-69 loss where the score was closer than the final margin suggested for much of the night.

Expect fireworks in Kansas City. Oklahoma State is an Over machine, hitting the Over in 7 of their last 10 contests. They play at a pace that forces opponents into track meets, evidenced by their 111-104 win over UCF and 95-92 loss to TCU in February.

Colorado’s defensive metrics are a major concern for Under bettors. They rank 350th in three-point defense (36.98%) and 267th in field goal percentage defense. Oklahoma State shoots 33.77% from deep and isn't afraid to let it fly. Conversely, Colorado’s offense is efficient, ranking 83rd in field goal percentage (46.96%). With both teams ranking outside the top 200 in several defensive categories, this game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

Oklahoma State actually holds a better overall record (18-13) than Colorado (17-14) and has shown they can beat high-level competition, including a win over BYU (99-92) in February.

Colorado is heavily reliant on freshman guard Isaiah Johnson, who averages 17.0 points per game. While Johnson is a star, Oklahoma State's defensive backcourt is aggressive, ranking 104th in steals (7.56 per game). If the Cowboys can disrupt Johnson's rhythm and force turnovers (Colorado ranks 240th in turnovers lost), the Cowboys' superior rebounding (68th nationally) should allow them to control the tempo and pull off the upset.

Colorado's at-large hopes are officially dead. Reports indicate they must win the Big 12 Tournament to see the NCAA field. This pressure can either galvanize a team or lead to tight shooting in a neutral arena. While the Big 12 has been hit hard by injuries (notably BYU and Texas Tech losing stars), both Oklahoma State and Colorado enter this tournament relatively healthy compared to the top-tier seeds, which could favor the depth of the Cowboys' bench.

Oklahoma State's advantage on the glass and slightly better defensive metrics (though both are poor) give them the statistical edge in what should be a high-possession game. Oklahoma State is 6-4 ATS in their last 10. Colorado is 3-7 ATS in road and neutral site games. The Cowboys have gone Over the total in 7 of their last 10 games. Don’t forget, Oklahoma State won the lone meeting this season.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: COLORADO ML

Neither of these teams are good away from home, but the Buffaloes have a number of advantages. One is their head coach Tad Boyle. He has guided the Buffs to first-round Big 12 tournament wins in each of the last five years. Colorado won the regular season meeting 83-69 and leading scorer Isaiah Johnson scored just 9 points. Oklahoma State lost 6-10 Parsa Fallah to a knee injury and they are 1-2 since. Fallah averaged 14.7 points and was the Cowboys leading rebounder (6.0). Oklahoma State can score, but they can’t defend anyone. The Cowboys rank 350th in points allowed per game at 82.5. Expect a higher-scoring game, but Colorado comes out on top.

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