Big 12 Weekend Preview: Good Luck Catching the Kansas Jayhawks
By Brian Spaen
Feb 23, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; The Kansas Jayhawks mascot performs before a game against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
One tangible of being a championship team is to get the lucky breaks in a season. Outside of a three-game skid for the eight-time defending Big 12 champions, the Kansas Jayhawks have had two lucky breaks against the Iowa State Cyclones to keep pace to win their ninth straight and 13th overall.
Give the Jayhawks all the credit though. Coached by Bill Self, one of the greatest teachers in the game, his teams always have kept poise. They straightened out an ugly part of their season and put it far back in the rear-view mirror. They can handle adversity and big moments.
There’s a reason why Kansas has blown out Iowa State in both overtimes, losing the conference title in just four seasons of the Big 12’s existence, and winning 103 of their last 105 games at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. They’re the pedestal of the conference, and one of the greats in men’s basketball.
Regardless who the contenders (Kansas State, Oklahoma State) play, every game is important. Because one thing that shouldn’t be expected is Kansas to hand over the conference title easily.
All games played on Saturday. Central times listed. Rankings reflect latest AP Poll.
Iowa State at Oklahoma – 12:45 PM, Big 12 Network (WOI-TV)
Preview/prediction coming tomorrow morning.
West Virginia at (6)Kansas – 1:00 PM, CBS
In CBS’ defense, this did look pretty good when selecting games at the time. It’s only fitting if the Jayhawks make them look bad on national TV as the Mountaineers did on Big Monday earlier this season.
Jayhawks 77, Mountaineers 53
Feb 27, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Myck Kabongo (12) reacts against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Texas beat Oklahoma 92-86. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Texas at (15)Oklahoma State – 3:00 PM, ESPN
It’s obvious that the Longhorns are better with Myck Kabongo, but the inconsistency is still great as he hasn’t had much time to gel with his team. Beating Oklahoma with a 22-point comeback and that ridiculous regulation-tying basket by Kabongo was a huge step up for the young Longhorn squad. They can’t make this next game look anything like the debacle in Lawrence a few weeks ago.
Cowboys 71, Longhorns 63
TCU at Texas Tech – 3:00 PM, Big 12 Network (WOI-TV)
What happens when two teams that have the worst rebounding margin in the Big 12, both give up and can’t make a 3-point shot, and are also the two worst teams in the assist category match up together? We’ll find out tomorrow afternoon.
Red Raiders 66, Horned Frogs 59
(13)Kansas State at Baylor – 6:00 PM, ESPN2
If the Bears want to see the NCAA tournament, they have to win this game. It’s been a bad downward spiral that’s now seen multiple blowout losses. Isaiah Austin needs to become more aggressive inside and score. On the other end, ESPN predicts the Wildcats as a 3-seed as of Friday.
Wildcats 84, Bears 72
Clones Confidential Big 12 Power Rankings
- (6)Kansas (24-4, 12-3) LW: 1
- (15)Oklahoma State (21-6, 11-4) LW: 2
- (13)Kansas State (23-5, 12-3) LW: 3
- Iowa State (19-9, 9-6) LW: 4
- Oklahoma (18-9, 9-6) LW: 5
- Baylor (17-11, 8-7) LW: 6
- West Virginia (13-15, 6-9) LW: 7
- Texas (13-15, 5-10) LW: 8
- TCU (10-18, 1-14) LW: 9
- Texas Tech (9-17, 2-13) LW: 10
Not one change from one week ago. I’ve been on the Cowboys’ bandwagon most of the season and they should continue to contend for a conference title in the final three games. The Wildcats looked a lot more vulnerable in that game against the Red Raiders than the final score indicates.
Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook.