ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Colorado was one of the first dominos to fall in the massive conference realignment that overhauled college sports.
Baylor was one of the programs that had the most to lose when the Big 12 looked like it might disintegrate during that upheaval.
Safe to say that Saturday's meeting between these former conference foes will mean as much to the commissioners and athletic directors who watch the money as it does to the players who are trying to extend their stay in the NCAA tournament.
A matchup that once barely raised an eyebrow has suddenly become a statement game of sorts: It's third-seeded Baylor, part of a strong contingent of tournament teams from the shrunken Big 12, against 11th-seeded Colorado, the only team left in the draw from the expanding Pac-12.
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