Today's semi-finals for the Big XII tournament will feature the top four seeds. But it almost did not work out that way.

In the first quarterfinal, Courtney Paris put on a show that wowed everyone, including her teammates, in a tight 78-74 win over a relentless Iowa State. Paris finished with a career high and tournament record 36 points and 16 rebounds and Erin Higgins hit a long three pointer with 49 seconds left to lead the Sooners. Coach Fennelly said Paris "is as good as there is in the country. It's impossible to say she will get better, but she will." The 17-12 Cyclones are likely headed for the WNIT.

Missouri defeated Texas Tech in the second game, 81-75, and moved into the tournament semi-finals for the first time ever. Both teams had five players in double figures, but LaToya Bond's 24 points seemed to be the difference. The win should lock up a NCAA bid for Mizzou. It's not so certain for Tech.

While Claire Coggins was on the bench after hitting her head on the floor, Kimberly Dietz nearly led Kansas State to an upset over Baylor. Dietz hit an over the shoulder three pointer with 14 seconds left to tie the game and her bank shot at the buzzer rimmed out, sending the game to overtime. Sophia Young scored six of her 35 points in the overtime session and led the Lady Bears to a 79-74 win. Young became the conferences' all-time leading scoring in the first half, breaking the record set last season by KSU's Kendra Wecker. KSU only hit 3-11 in the overtime, while Baylor converted on 4-8.

Baylor will next take on Texas A&M, a 73-64 winner over Nebraska. While the Huskers led by four early in the second half, the Aggies went on a 10-0 run to take control of the game. Danielle Gant's 16 rebounds and Takia Starks and Morenike Atunrase combined 43 points paced A&M. Kiera Hardy led all scorers with 28 points for the Huskers, but the Aggies dominated the boards (47 to 30) and second chance points (20 to 10). The Aggies join Mizzou as first time semi-finalists in the tournament.