NCAA Tournament - Kansas Advances, Kansas State Upset

There is only one Kansas City area team left standing after the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Kansas Jayhawks survived a scare from Western Kentucky in the first round, advancing to face North Carolina on Sunday. Kansas State was not as fortunate, falling to 13-seeded La Salle.

(1)Kansas 64   (16)Western Kentucky 57

The Jayhawks looked flat to start the game, and struggled to score during the first half. The Jayhawks picked things up a bit in the second half, eventually building a double digit lead late. However, the Hilltoppers stormed back, capitalizing on several turnovers by the Jayhawks and knocking down some threes. KU eventually sealed the game at the free throw line.

The Jayhawks’ guard play was extremely poor all game. Naadir Tharpe turned the ball over often while taking bad shots, while Ben McLemore disappeared. Jeff Withey had a big game for Kansas, and Perry Ellis and Keving Young also added some much needed scoring. The Jayhawks’ guard play will have to improve if they want to make the Sweet 16 for the third straight year.

(13) La Salle 63   (4) Kansas State 61

The Explorers jumped all over the Wildcats early, building a 44-26 halftime lead. It looked like K-State was finished, however they had a massive comeback in the second half and eventually took a one-point lead. Kansas State had two chances to win the game at the end but the Wildcats failed to score on their last two possessions.

K-State exceeded most preseason expectations, however three losses to KU and a first-round NCAA Tournament exit have to have Wildcat fans feeling a bit disappointed. 

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NCAA Tournament Has Begun

Yesterday was one of the most thrilling starts to the NCAA Tournament ever, with buzzer beaters deciding seemingly every game and plenty of upsets. In the Big 12, results were mixed - Missouri predictably got mauled by Cincinnati while Kansas State pulled out a tough win against Utah State. The results were predictable, as most fans and experts expected Missouri to continue to play terrible basketball and KState to be tested by the Aggies. Up next for the Wildcats is a tough Wisconsin team.

Today, three Big 12 teams are in action, including President Obama's pick to win it all:

(1) Kansas vs. (16) Boston University - 5:50 p.m.

We all know the story here - No 16 seed has ever won a first round matchup (although it has been close to happening a few times). The Terriers have nothing inside to match up with the Morris twins and Thomas Robinson. The Northern Iowa loss still lingers in the minds of the Jayhawks, and this one should be ugly.

(4) Texas vs. (13) Oakland - 11:15 a.m.

Oakland has played some talented teams this year, and appears to have some weapons that could give the Longhorns trouble. Texas appears to be too deep and talented to fall to the Grizzlies, however I could see this one being a lot closer than most think. The Longhorns appear to have the talent to make a deep run, however their history under Rick Barnes suggest an early exit is more likely.

(7) Texas A&M vs. (10) Florida State - 3:10 p.m.

This team features two teams that hang their hat on tough, physical defense. Florida State struggles to score at times, but has a few big wins this season. This should be a low scoring, defensive affair which could come down to the last shot.