Kansas Basketball has done something no other team has accomplished. For the 14th straight year, the Jayhawks have dominated the Big 12.
A few weeks ago this was just a pipe dream for Kansas Basketball. Due to ineligible players and an extremely dense bench, the 14th straight title seemed to be too steep of a hill to climb. Yet, as fate would have it, two top ten teams battling it out for rights to the title would hash it out on the court for Big 12 supremacy.
Texas Tech, being the most consistent team in the Big 12 this season looked to be in fine position to cruise home with the title, ruining the Jayhawks chances to stand alone. As always, the Jayhawks started winning as the season wound down and Texas Tech, among others started to falter.
The Red Raiders had won 17 home games in a row, Bill Self had never been swept, either way, streaks were going to end.
1st half
Kansas came out playing wonderful offense, making their shots and scoring at will. Svi Mykhailiuk was on fire, scoring 15 in the first half. Most notably was Udoka Azubuike heading to the locker room with 0 fouls at half.
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Despite a couple lousy turnovers, the Jayhawks looked great. They put on a clinic with their ball movement and had some thundering dunks for the highlight reels. Including a monster dunk by Marcus Garrett.
Kansas led by as many as 11 in the first half, but Texas Tech cut it to a two point lead before Kansas extended their once large lead to four.
2nd half
Texas Tech looked like the better team coming out of the locker room. As if roles reversed, things looked easy for Tech and much more complicated for Kansas. Momentum was leaning clearly in Tech’s favor until Devonte’ Graham started driving the ball, collecting fouls on four straight possessions.
Devonte’ Graham took over.
The Red Raiders never went away. Each time the Jayhawks had a chance to control the momentum Texas Tech would come up huge. But, Devonte’ Graham. With 3:50 remaining the Red Raiders cut the Kansas lead to three with a three pointer by Jarrett Culver. Then the lead was one. Then the game was tied. It was the closest the Red Raiders had been all game.
Devonte’ Graham made a long two to regain the lead and Kansas would not relinquish the lead again.
The game lived up to the hype. Hats off to the Red Raiders for such an entertaining effort. Graham finished with 26 points and Svi added 21 for the Jayhawks.
History made
14 straight conference titles is a greater accomplishment than some give credit. The Big 12 is a formidable conference. Even though it is always Kansas and the field, it really isn’t that at all. The Big 12 puts half the teams in the tournament practically every season, and this was the deepest the conference had ever been.
This team was nowhere near one of the stronger groups Self has had suit up, so the accomplishment of winning at least a share of the title in a season where the competition was the best it’s ever been top to bottom.
The seniors led this team during crunch time. Graham and Svi continued to carry the Jayhawks as the season grew old.
Next: Best seasons all-time for Kansas Basketball
The focus has been on 14 straight all season. No matter what players and coaches said during the season, the number 14 meant everything. The Kansas Jayhawks overcame all obstacles and overcame great odds all season long. Kansas are champions once again. They have a chance to clinch the title outright at home against Texas on Senior night.