The Kansas basketball team is back in the Big 12 Tournament Championship game. Here are a few things to know when the Jayhawks battle the Mountaineers.
For the third straight day, the Kansas basketball team will play shorthanded and against an angry opponent who wants revenge. Certainly, Saturday’s rematch for the Big 12 Tournament Title won’t live up to the first two meetings with the Mountaineers this season. In mid-January, the Jayhawks came from behind to win 71-66 in Morgantown. Just over a month later, the Jayhawks staged another amazing rally. This time Bob Huggins Mountaineers left Allen Fieldhouse following a 77-69 setback.
On Friday night, the Jayhawks struggled but survived against Kansas State in the semifinals thanks to the shooting of Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Malik Newman and the hustle of freshman Marcus Garrett. With Udoka Azubuike resting his knee sprain, Hall of Fame Coach Bill Self will need big games from those two and the rest of the Jayhawk lineup.
The Mountaineers played a difficult, down to the wire semifinal battle with Texas Tech. Daxter Miles and Jevon Carter led Huggins’ guys with a combined 39 points in the 3-point win. Mountaineer big man Sagaba Konate added 11 points and 5 rebounds. He also blocked three shots against the Red Raiders.
The Mountaineers will have revenge on their minds Saturday. The Jayhawks embarrassed them in the last three meetings. As a matter of fact, Huggins will always believe the officials cost him the February game at Allen Fieldhouse. He will want to take his frustration out on the short-handed Jayhawks.
Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the Mountaineers
Date: March 10
Time: 5 p.m. CST
Location: Kansas City
Venue: Sprint Center
Television: ESPN
Streaming: Watch ESPN
Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network
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Keys to victory
The Jayhawks need to attack the basket. Malik Newman has had the hot hand and needs to keep firing away. Devonte Graham has reportedly been battling a bug. He just needs to run the show and finds open shooters. The front curt tandem of Mitch Lightfoot and Silvio De Sousa have to crash the glass and avoid silly fouls in this one. This game will be tough enough without Dok. A win would be great. Staying healthy for next week is more important.