Chuck Carlton, Big 12 beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered your questions about the league in a live chat Wednesday. Below are highlights, edited for clarity.

Who is your sleeper team in the Big 12 that could give Texas Tech, Kansas and Kansas State a run for a conference title?

Carlton: Well, once you've removed Texas Tech, Kansas and Kansas State from the Big 12 title discussion, you're pretty much left with Baylor. The Bears are 19-9 and 10-5 in the Big 12, tied for third with Kansas despite a host of injuries (Jake Lindsey, Tristan Clark, King McClure) plus Makai Mason playing hurt down the stretch. Somehow, the Bears have stayed in the race, coming up with surprising wins like the one at Iowa State. They would still need to win the remainder of their games, including trips to Kansas State and Kansas. Kind of amazing that Scott Drew wasn't included in the 15 nominees announced Wednesday for the Naismith Award, given to the coach of the year.

Is it surprising to you that Baylor isn't ranked in the top 25 considering what it's doing without some key starters?

Carlton: Baylor is a really good story this year and deserves a lot of credit for dealing with adversity and reinventing its lineup. That said, the Bears are 19-9 and while they should solidly be in the NCAA Tournament, the nine losses and struggles early probably still carry too much weight with top 25 voters.

Do you think Oklahoma will hold on and make the NCAA tournament?

Carlton: Well, if the Big 12 is going to have seven teams in the NCAA tournament -- which has been the recent norm -- then two teams among Oklahoma, Texas and TCU will make the field. TCU is 18-10 but has lost recently to OU, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. The Sooners have dropped six of their last eight. Texas could easily spiral toward the bubble with the Kerwin Roach suspension. Oof.