Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to the Big East Big 12 Battle, you're basically missing the best non-conference basketball on the calendar. Forget the flashy invitational tournaments in the Bahamas for a second. This is where the real grit of college hoops lives. It's the "pure" basketball of the Big East clashing with the absolute gauntlet that is the Big 12.
People always argue about which conference is "best," and usually, the Big 12 wins that on paper because of their insane NET rankings. But then you see a Big East team like Villanova or Creighton just systematically dismantle a Top 10 Big 12 opponent in a cold gym in December, and the whole narrative shifts.
It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s often ugly basketball. And that’s why it’s great.
The Reality of the Big East Big 12 Battle
Most casual fans think these challenges are just about TV money. While the checks from FOX and ESPN certainly matter, the Big East Big 12 Battle has actually become a primary tool for the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
Since it started in 2019, we've seen some weird trends. The Big East actually came out of the gate swinging, winning the first year 8-2. Then things got weird. We had three straight years of ties—5-5, 5-5, and a COVID-shortened 3-3. It was like neither conference wanted to admit the other was better.
But recently? The Big 12 has started to flex. They won the 2023 series 7-4 and took the 2024 series 6-5. Even with the Big 12 losing heavy hitters like Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, they backfilled with schools like Arizona and Houston, which only made the "Battle" harder for the Big East.
Why the 2024-25 Results Changed the Vibe
Last season was a weird one. The Big 12 officially moved to 16 teams, which meant five of their schools had to sit out. This created some lopsided scheduling that a few fans complained about.
- UConn vs. Baylor: This was the heavyweight fight everyone wanted. Dan Hurley’s squad handled business at home, proving that the Big East still has the highest ceiling in the country.
- Kansas vs. Creighton: Seeing the Jayhawks in Omaha is always a trip. It was a one-possession game that felt like a Final Four matchup in early December.
- St. John's resurgence: Rick Pitino getting a win against Kansas State really signaled that the Red Storm are "back" in the national conversation.
The Big 12 eventually edged it out 6-5, but the Big East won most of the "Top 25" matchups. It’s a classic case of depth vs. top-end talent.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Format
You’ve probably heard people compare this to the old Big 12/SEC Challenge. It's not the same. Not even close.
The old SEC challenge happened in late January. It was a "break" from conference play. The Big East Big 12 Battle happens in late November and early December. This is a huge distinction. In December, teams are still figuring out their rotations. Freshmen are still hitting the "rookie wall."
Because these games happen so early, the "home-court advantage" is amplified. In the Big East, playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse or Gampel Pavilion in December is a nightmare for Big 12 teams used to the travel grinds of the Midwest. Conversely, a Big East team going into Phog Allen or the Hilton Coliseum is basically a death sentence most years.
The Real Record Since Inception
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Big East | 8–2 |
| 2020 | Tie | 3–3 |
| 2021 | Tie | 5–5 |
| 2022 | Tie | 5–5 |
| 2023 | Big 12 | 7–4 |
| 2024 | Big 12 | 6–5 |
Total wins? It's currently sitting at Big East 30, Big 12 28. It is as close as a rivalry can get.
The "Realignment" Problem
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Realignment is killing some of the historical charm of these matchups. When the Big 12 added Houston, BYU, UCF, and Cincinnati, and then later scooped up the "Four Corner" schools (Arizona, ASU, Utah, Colorado), the conference became a behemoth.
The Big East stayed at 11.
This means the Big 12 always has "leftover" teams that don't get to play. It creates a weird situation where the Big 12 can essentially send their 11 best teams to face the Big East. That's a massive advantage. If you're the Big East, you have to send everyone—including the teams at the bottom of the standings like DePaul or Georgetown (who have struggled recently).
It’s sorta like a 15-round boxing match where one guy gets to tag in his best friends, and the other guy is stuck in the ring the whole time.
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Does it actually help with Bracketology?
Absolutely. Expert bracketologists like Joe Lunardi and the team at On3 consistently point to these games. If a bubble team like Butler or TCU gets a win in this challenge, it acts as a "Golden Ticket" in March.
Think about it. A Quad 1 win in December is worth exactly the same as a Quad 1 win in February. But in December, you can catch a powerhouse team before they've gelled. It’s the ultimate "buy low" opportunity for resumes.
Moving Forward: What to Look For
If you're a betting person or just a die-hard fan, there are three things you need to watch for in the next iteration of the Big East Big 12 Battle.
- The Venue Split: Check who is hosting. Historically, the home team wins about 65% of these games. If the Big East is hosting the majority of the high-profile games, bet on them to close the gap.
- The "Arizona Factor": Now that Arizona is in the Big 12, they bring a different style of play. They play fast. The Big East likes to grind. That clash of styles is going to be a highlight for years.
- The Coaching Chess Match: You have Bill Self, Scott Drew, and Kelvin Sampson on one side. You have Dan Hurley, Rick Pitino, and Shaka Smart on the other. It’s arguably the best collection of coaching talent in any "challenge" format in history.
Honestly, the Big 12 might have the "prestige" right now, but the Big East has the hardware. With UConn coming off back-to-back titles recently, they carry the flag for the "basketball-first" schools.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to actually get the most out of the next "Battle" window, don't just check the scores on ESPN.
- Watch the "Bottom" Matchups: The winner of the series is rarely decided by the Top 10 teams. It’s decided by the middle of the pack. If Seton Hall beats Oklahoma State, that’s usually where the series is won or lost.
- Track the NET Rankings: Keep an eye on how these games move the needle. A Big 12 loss often doesn't hurt their NET as much as a Big East loss does, which is a major point of contention among fans.
- Plan Your Travel: If your team is playing away, go. These are some of the most underrated atmospheres in sports because the "non-con" crowds are often just as rowy as conference play.
The Big East Big 12 Battle isn't going anywhere. Even with all the talk of "Super Conferences" and football-driven mergers, these two leagues know that their identity is tied to the hardwood. They need each other to prove they belong at the top.
Start looking at the December schedules as soon as they drop in September. Look for the games scheduled in "on-campus" arenas rather than pro stadiums. Those are the ones where the magic happens.
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Monitor the injury reports for the Big 12's deep rosters versus the Big East's shorter rotations. Usually, by December, the Big East's stars are playing 35+ minutes, which can lead to late-game fatigue that the Big 12 loves to exploit.
Pay attention to the officiating. Big 12 refs tend to let a lot more contact go in the paint, while Big East games can sometimes turn into free-throw shooting contests. Whoever adjusts to the whistle first usually walks away with the "W."