Big 12

See all the action from Day 1 of the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in KC

By Dominick Williams and Emily Curiel

Day 1 of the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Kansas City was a busy one.

Arizona State defeated Baylor 83-79 in Game 1. Afterward, Arizona State head coach said trying to win a Big 12 Championship is maybe harder than trying to win a NCAA Championship.

In Game 2, Cincinnati, seeded at No. 9, beat 16-seeded Utah 73-66.

Next, despite a close first half, Kansas State couldn’t overcome BYU and star freshman AJ Dybansta, falling to the Cougars 105-91 to finish off a disappointing season.

The night ended with No. 14-seeded Oklahoma State defeating No. 11 Colorado 92-83, behind Anthony Roy’s 24 points.

See photos of all the action, from The Star’s Emily Curiel and Dominick Williams.

Brett Yormark, commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, speaks during a press conference at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Brett Yormark, commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, speaks during a press conference at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

Game 1: Baylor vs. Arizona State

Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) makes a lay up as Arizona State Sun Devils forward Allen Mukeba (23) attempts to block the shot during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) makes a lay up as Arizona State Sun Devils forward Allen Mukeba (23) attempts to block the shot during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The Baylor mascot sits courtside next to cheerleaders during a Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament game between Baylor and Arizona State at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
The Baylor mascot sits courtside next to cheerleaders during a Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament game between Baylor and Arizona State at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Arizona State Sun Devils forward Andrija Grbovic (14) guards the ball from Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Arizona State Sun Devils forward Andrija Grbovic (14) guards the ball from Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Arizona State Sun Devils guard Anthony Johnson (2) blocks a shot by Baylor Bears guard Dan Skillings Jr. (0) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Arizona State Sun Devils guard Anthony Johnson (2) blocks a shot by Baylor Bears guard Dan Skillings Jr. (0) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) attempts to make a three point basket over Arizona State Sun Devils forward Andrija Grbovic (14) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) attempts to make a three point basket over Arizona State Sun Devils forward Andrija Grbovic (14) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Arizona State center Massamba Diop (35) gives high-fives to fans while walking off the court after Arizona State defeated Baylor 83-79 in a Big 12 men's basketball tournament game at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Arizona State center Massamba Diop (35) gives high-fives to fans while walking off the court after Arizona State defeated Baylor 83-79 in a Big 12 men's basketball tournament game at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

Game 2: Utah vs. Cincinnati

Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) dibbles the ball up the court against Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jizzle James (2) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) dribbles the ball up the court against Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jizzle James (2) during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Utah Utes forward Kendyl Sanders (13) makes a lay up against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Utah Utes forward Kendyl Sanders (13) makes a layup against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of a Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament game at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) makes a lay up against Utah Utes during the second half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) makes a layup against Utah Utes during the second half of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam (52) and Utah forward Keanu Dawes (8) battle for possession during the second half of a Big 12 men's basketball tournament game at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo.
Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam (52) and Utah forward Keanu Dawes (8) battle for possession during the second half of a Big 12 men's basketball tournament game at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Cincinnati Bearcats cheerleaders yell after defeating Utah Utes 73-66 in a Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Cincinnati Bearcats cheerleaders yell after defeating Utah Utes 73-66 in a Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) walks off the court through a red lit tunnel after defeating Utah Utes 73-66 in a Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City.
Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) walks off the court through a red lit tunnel after defeating Utah Utes 73-66 in a Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

Game 3: K-State vs. BYU

Kansas State Wildcats forward Khamari McGriff (21) tries to gain post position against BYU Cougars center Keba Keita (13) in the first half of the Wildcats first round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91.
Kansas State Wildcats forward Khamari McGriff (21) tries to gain post position against BYU Cougars center Keba Keita (13) in the first half of the Wildcats’ first-round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks the ball on a fast break in the second half of the Wildcats first round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91.
BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks the ball on a fast break in the second half of the Wildcats’ first-round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas State Wildcats head coach Matthew Driscoll talks with Kansas State Wildcats guard PJ Haggerty (4) late in the second half of the Wildcats first round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91.
Kansas State Wildcats head coach Matthew Driscoll talks with Kansas State Wildcats guard PJ Haggerty (4) late in the second half of the Wildcats’ first-round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) shoves and shouts at teammate Dominique Diomande (24) after making a fast break dunk just before halftime of the Wildcats first round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91.
BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) shoves and shouts at teammate Dominique Diomande (24) after making a fast break dunk just before halftime of the Wildcats’ first-round game vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
A Kansas State Wildcats fan looks at the scoreboard following the Wildcats first round loss vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91.
A Kansas State Wildcats fan looks at the scoreboard following the Wildcats’ first-round loss vs. the BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats lost to BYU, 105-91. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com

Game 4: Oklahoma State vs. Colorado

Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jaylen Curry (0) dribbles through traffic in the second half of the Oklahoma State Cowboys first round game vs. the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jaylen Curry (0) dribbles through traffic in the second half of the Oklahoma State Cowboys first round game vs. the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Anthony Roy (9) celebrates after making a three point shot in the first half of the Oklahoma State Cowboys first round game vs. the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Anthony Roy (9) celebrates after making a three point shot in the first half of the Oklahoma State Cowboys first round game vs. the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Colorado Buffaloes guard Isaiah Johnson (2) attempts a layup in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.
Colorado Buffaloes guard Isaiah Johnson (2) attempts a layup in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jaylen Curry (0) claps at half court as the Cowboys take the lead late in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jaylen Curry (0) claps at half court as the Cowboys take the lead late in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Colorado Buffaloes guard Isaiah Johnson (2) stumbles as he is double teamed by two Oklahoma State Cowboys defenders in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.
Colorado Buffaloes guard Isaiah Johnson (2) stumbles as he is double teamed by two Oklahoma State Cowboys defenders in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
The mascot for the Oklahoma State Cowboys fist bumps a fan courtside in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center.
The mascot for the Oklahoma State Cowboys fist bumps a fan courtside in the second half of the Colorado Buffaloes first round game vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 11:24 PM.

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Emily Curiel, is a visual journalist at The Star. With a broad scope of coverage, Curiel navigates subjects including breaking news, sports, features and long-form narratives. She is a first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University and a native of Los Angeles.
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