The old saying, “The Big 12 Basketball Championship goes through Lawrence, Kansas” is certainly true. That proof was apparent Saturday.
Missouri had a 19-point lead over the Jayhawks in the second half. A Missouri victory would have tied Kansas for the Big 12 Conference lead. But the Jayhawks weren’t in a sharing mood.
They stormed back, forced overtime and finished the job in the extra period. Finals score: Kansas 87, Missouri 86.
Kansas’ victory clinched at least a tie for the league title (with a two-game lead). The Jayhawks should win both of their remaining games: tonight at Oklahoma State and Saturday night hosting Texas.
I was hoping the conference would have a different champion this season. Baylor looked good in the early going, but now has five losses. Missouri seemed a solid contender but recent slipups against Kansas State and Oklahoma State forged the Tigers into second place.
I have a feeling Kansas is indeed happy with its conference dominance. But in recent years, Kansas has been a flop in the NCAA tournament. The Jayhawks hope their league success this year will transfer to the Big Dance.
My gut feeling: don’t count on it.
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