The game was never close
Kansas jumped out to a 15-0 lead very early. Simply put, shots were falling for Kansas even when the Longhorns were able to guard the paint or 3 point line. And the Longhorns could not make any shots. Kansas wins 86-56.
Anything to learn about this game?
Not really. A bad game on senior night for a group of seniors that missed the NCAA Tournament their freshman season at Texas is a tough pill to swallow. Is it all doom and gloom? No. Why? Because this exact thing happened 9 days ago and they were still able to muster up the confidence to beat 3rd-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday. Kansas is the #1 team in the country for a reason. They are one of the best teams in college basketball this season and they are on a hot streak. 10 straight wins with 6 of those wins by double digits. There’s no shame in losing to this Kansas team.
The Jayhawks went undefeated in February – a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2002 when they went to the Final Four and lost to eventual national champs Maryland. In 2012, the Jayhawks lost only 1 game in February and were the national runners-up. In 2008, they lost 2 games in February and went on to win the national championship. Translation: Kansas should be in your Final Four bracket. History says they will make you rich.
So it’s March, is Madness upon us?
Yes. I know it sounds crazy but Texas can certainly make it into the Sweet 16. Beyond the top 3, it is a scatter-shoot of teams, all of which have bad losses. Villanova lost by 23 points to Oklahoma. Oklahoma lost by 11 to a terrible Kansas State team. As bad as Texas looked against Kansas, it’s only one game. If there is one coach with the ability to take a team into the tournament with no expectations and go far, it’s Shaka Smart.
The first order of business for the Longhorns is Oklahoma State on Friday night (yes, it is on Friday night). Texas needs to take care of business and record it’s 20th win of the season. It’s an important number in the grand scheme of tournament selection seeding.
Then it’s the Big 12 tournament. Texas is currently 6th in the conference. Either Baylor or Oklahoma will be tied with Texas and Iowa State after tomorrow. West Virginia still has to play Texas Tech and at Baylor. The number 1, 8, 9, and 10 seeds are set. 2-7 is up for grabs. Texas has proven it can beat Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Baylor.
Forget the holidays, this is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s March Madness.
