In his third season in Lubbock, Chris Beard has coached Texas Tech to a Big 12 co-championship, and his work is far from done. The Red Raiders rank No. 1 in the nation in defensive efficiency (Kenpom.com), ahead of Michigan and Virginia. What makes Tech more of a threat is its improvement on the offensive end. Sophomore guard Jarrett Culver (18.3 points per game) is an elite go-to scorer who gets help from Davide Moretti and Matt Mooney. The Raiders have scored 78 points or more seven times during their nine-game win streak.

Kansas’ regular-season title streak finally ended at 14 years, mostly because coach Bill Self has been shorthanded without guard Lagerald Vick and 7-foot-1 center Udoka Azubuike, two of the team’s top three scorers. Azubuike played in only nine games, and Vick will not return this season. Dedric Lawson, a 6-9 forward averaging 19.1 points and 10.6 rebounds, is the center of attention in a four-guard lineup. The Jayhawks face Texas on Thursday, with the winner likely getting Texas Tech in a semifinal. Longhorns guard Kerwin Roach has been reinstated for the tournament.

Top-seeded Kansas State might be without its most important player, senior forward Dean Wade, because of a foot injury. Wade’s absence could clear the way for Iowa State in the top half of the bracket.

The play: Texas Tech (5/4) to win the Big 12 Tournament. The Red Raiders have the best coach, toughest defense and top offensive player in the conference.