The third meeting this season between the two rivals got off to a slow
start, as both teams struggled offensively in the first half. KU was able to
build a 24-16 halftime lead, however K-State cut the lead to three early in the
second half. The Jayhawks answered with a 12-3 run, essentially putting the
game away midway through the second half.
Jeff Withey led Kansas with 17 points and 9 rebounds, and the Jayhawks
continued to get strong play from freshman Perry Ellis, who chipped in 12
points. Kansas State star Rodney McGruder scored 18 points, however much of
that came when KU had built its insurmountable lead in the second half.
Kansas’ dominance over Kansas State and the Big 12 has been shocking.
The Jayhawks have defeated the Wildcats 47 times in the teams’ last 50 meetings,
including 11 straight times in the Big 12 tournament. Kansas also improved to
9-1 in Big 12 Tournament Title games and won its sixth Big 12 Tournament title
under Bill Self.
After winning the Big 12 tournament in dominating fashion, Kansas was
rewarded with the second overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks will
face Western Kentucky Friday night in the Sprint Center in Kansas City. If Kansas
advances, it will play the winner of North Carolina and Villanova on Sunday.
The Jayhawks were given a tough bracket, as Georgetown, Florida and Michigan
are also in the South region.
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