KU Falls to KState in Manhattan

In a Sunflower Showdown that was supposed to be a cakewalk for KU, KState played like its season was on the line while the Jayhawks looked like it simply expected to walk all over KState like it did in Allen Fieldhouse. KState was able to salvage its disappointing season and make a strong case for a NCAA tournament berth with a strong win over number one ranked KU.

The final result wasn't pretty: KState beat KU 84-68 in a game that was never in doubt. KU easily played its worst game of the season, while KState turned in a performance that was somewhat shocking given how poorly it had played in Big 12 play. KState got an insane performance from senior Jacob Pullen, who torched the Jayhawks for 38 points.

Before KU fans all jump in the Kansas river, just remember: KU is not healthy and easily played its worst ball of the year. KU is missing Thomas Robinson due to injury, and star freshman Josh Selby barely played due to a stress fracture in his foot. The loss puts KU at 10-2 in the conference, and it will likely see its ridiculous streak of consecutive Big 12 championships end at six. However, this could be a very dangerous team in March, especially when healthy. KU had beaten KState 42 in its last 44 meetings, and it is hard not to avoid a road bump every once in a while. KU will recover, while KState fans can't help but wonder how its team's season would have gone had the Wildcats played every game like Monday night's contest.

Saturday Recap - Kansas Likely to be Ranked Number One

Kansas made a strong win for the number one ranking in the nation with a season sweep of Iowa State. KU beat Iowa State 89-66 in Lawrence, moving to 9-1 in the Big 12 and 24-1 overall. After starting the season ranked seventh, achieving the number one ranking would be another sign that Bill Self has done one of his best coaching jobs with this year's team.

KU has been able to maintain its momentum despite several key injuries, including freshman sensation Josh Selby and key reserve Thomas Robinson. Tyrel Reed and Jeff Withey are also battling nagging injuries but shouldn't miss any time. The key to the Jayhawks' season will be how healthy can Kansas get by March - a full strength KU squad could easily contend for a national title.

KU was in this same position last season, however something feels different about this year's team. Last year, Kansas struggled throughout the year to put away lesser opponents and failed to execute on basketball's different stage. Since the loss to Texas, KU has ran through the league and managed to not miss a beat despite injury problems. When healthy, this team is arguably the best team in the country, but any more injuries could derail KU's campaign for a second national title in the past four seasons.

Preseason All Big 12 Awards Announced

Jacob Pullen was named the Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year today following a season in which he scored nearly 20 points per game and K-State to the brink of a final four berth. Pullen's wildcats are predicted to win the Big 12 next season, and the senior guard will have to duplicate his stellar 2009 season to get them there.

Ricardo Ratliffe of Missouri was named the Big 12 Newcommer of the Year, while KU's Josh Selby was named Freshman of the Year. Selby was the nation's top recruit, and joins a talented KU team that should reload quickly after losing Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry to the NBA. The Jayhawks were picked to finish second in the Big 12 behind K-State, despite winning six strait league championships. Marcus Morris, who was named preseason Big 12 First-Team All Conference, will be another big component for KU. Bill Self owns the Big 12, and Selby could be part of another banner-hanging season for the Jayhawks.

LaceDarius Dunn of Baylor was also named to preseason first-conference team, although his recent suspension could force the guard to miss some time. Without Dunn, Baylor goes from a Final 4 darkhorse to a fringe top 25 team.