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DALLAS _ The Big 12 hasn't produced a Final Four team, but it certainly remains one of the toughest conferences in women's basketball.
Half of the league's teams are ranked, including four in the top 10. A seventh, Kansas State, is knocking on the door of the AP Top 25.
So when it comes to competing for the Big 12 title, coaches know their teams have to be just as deep.
"You have to have a bit of luck, but it's always who can stay healthy and who can survive all the little things," Texas Tech coach Marsha Sharp said. "There's a lot of wear and tear."
For several teams, the wear and tear came quicker than expected. Oklahoma, the favorite to win the Big 12, lost two players to injuries before the season even began. So far, the Sooners have survived with a 10-1 start.
It helps that the Sooners have two Naismith candidates in Stacey Dales and LaNeishea Caufield. The Sooners haven't tapped into their bench as much as other teams in the league. They are getting key minutes from several reserves, including freshman Dionnah Jackson, ...