Kansas basketball: Big 12 Tournament opener, where to watch

The Big 12 regular-season champion Kansas basketball team is ready for postseason play. Here are a few things to know when the Jayhawks battle Oklahoma State for a third time.

Despite Saturday’s meaningless game in Stillwater, the Kansas basketball team finished the regular season strong. The Jayhawks won 5 of their last 6 games to win the program’s fourteenth straight conference title.  Last Saturday, Oklahoma State ruined the fun completing a sweep of the Jayhawks. It’s tough to beat a team three straight times.

Unfortunately, Sprint Center fans won’t see Udoka Azubuike this weekend. He is expected back next week after he sprained a knee in practice. Oklahoma State did not need any other advantage in this third meeting of the season. The Cowboys are playing with confidence. They need a strong Big 12 tournament to get into the NCAA action next week.

Mike Boynton’s team made the Sooners look bad at times in the Big 12 tournament opener. They dominated the glass against the Oklahoma one-man show.  The Cowboys simply wanted to win more than OU. How will playing a night game impact their energy against on Thursday afternoon? The Jayhawks will be rested and ready but without there 2nd team All-Big 12 Center.

Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the Cowboys

Date: March 8

Time: approximately 1:30 p.m. CST

Location: Kansas City

Venue: Sprint Center

Television: ESPN2

Streaming: Watch ESPN

Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network

Next: Get your March Madness Realtime Bracket Here

Keys to victory

Without Azubuike, Hall of fame coach Bill Self must be creative with the already thin bench. This is Mitch Lightfoot’s opportunity to have a big weekend. Silvio De Sousa played well in Stillwater and had a big game in the February win over the Oklahoma. We know the freshman has the talent. He needs a big game Thursday. The Jayhawks need both post players to avoid fouls and bring a lot of energy. The Jayhawks outrebounded the ‘Pokes in the rematch Saturday. They will need to play strong defense,  crash the glass and score in transition to knock off the ‘Pokes.