KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Big 12 Tournament was looking for an underdog to cheer for. Kansas had a chance to step into that role, but they fell short again, losing to Arizona, 88-77. This marks the first time Kansas has missed the semifinals in consecutive years.
The game revealed several weaknesses in Kansas’s play. Arizona dominated the paint with a significant 46-20 advantage. Kansas struggled defensively and their bench was outscored 45-13. After starting strong earlier in the season, Kansas is now sitting with a mediocre 21-12 record and is headed for its lowest NCAA Tournament seed in years.
“We’re one of the volatile teams in the country,” said center Hunter Dickinson. “It really depends on which Kansas team shows up on game day.” This inconsistency has left fans worried as they enter the tournament full of uncertainty.
Kansas coach Bill Self noted that while they tried hard, the team lacked cohesion. The transfer class brought in didn’t make the expected impact. Zeke Mayo, who came from South Dakota State, had a particularly rough stretch, leading to backlash from frustrated fans, which has affected his performance. Recently, he found some rhythm, helping his team in previous games before the latest loss.
“Scoring 77 points should generally be enough,” Self admitted, but defense remained a significant issue. Kansas seemed lackluster in a crucial tournament game, displaying a shocking dip in form after such a promising start to the season.
Interestingly, across the tournament, teams are shooting more three-pointers than ever. In the four games played, there were 85 three-point shots taken, averaging more than 10 per team. It seems that the shift in strategy may contribute to how games unfold in this modern basketball landscape.
While Kansas has had a rough patch, the tournament is filled with surprises, as almost any team can rise to the occasion. Kansas, along with Iowa State, now faces an uncertain future as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament, which kicks off soon.
This season’s rollercoaster offers a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in sports. Kansas needs a strong turnaround if they hope to reclaim their formidable reputation on the court. Meanwhile, teams like Arizona and BYU continue to make waves, possibly reshaping the tournament dynamics.
In a sport where fan loyalty can influence team morale, it’s vital for Kansas to harness the positive energy from their supporters, even as they navigate the challenges ahead. For now, the road is rocky, but anything can happen during March Madness.
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