Kansas basketball
On Tuesday evening, it was a sweet Senior Night for the Jayhawks when they defeated Texas Tech in their home finale, 67-63. The victory extended their winning streak to seven games and officially captured them a share of the Big 12 regular season title.
The team did not exactly put on a show for the fans in the last Allen Fieldhouse performance for several Kansas players. They shot just 39.3% from the floor and could not hit their shots at times. Nonetheless, limiting their turnovers and recording 8 blocks was enough for them to overcome the Red Raiders in what was their last hurrah for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Dajuan Harris’ scoring outburst continued as he dropped 16 points on 7-12 shooting. Jalen Wilson also contributed 21 points and some crucial late-game free throws. The lowlight of the night was from Gradey Dick, who missed all 7 of his shot attempts, 5 being three-pointers.
The latter stages of the second half were a foul fest. Luckily for KU, De’Vion Harmon and Fardaws Aimaq missed some clutch opportunities at the charity stripe. This was a difference maker in the outcome.
THE Kansas Jayhawks have won 40 straight senior nights. What a wild stat 🤯
— Stephen Reyes (@Stephen_Sez) March 1, 2023
It was a great win to cap off what otherwise was an emotional night for some players. Now, the attention shifts to their season finale against the No. 9 ranked Texas Longhorns on Saturday.
Kansas defeated Texas in their last outing this year, but the Jayhawks will now have to travel to the Moody Center where the Longhorns hold a record of 16-1. There will also be higher sweepstakes in this contest.
Kansas has already claimed a portion of the conference title, but Texas can still share it with them should they win out. Even if KU can be included as the champions, the goal is to be second to none in the Big 12. It is about school pride and being the clear No. 1.
Texas still has a difficult task when they play on the road against a competitive TCU squad. However, it might be a tad more fun to watch the final game with more implications on the line.
After Texas and Kansas play, the Big 12 Tournament will begin. The likelihood is that the Jayhawks will face the winner of the Texas Tech versus Oklahoma matchup. If the Jayhawks can win the tournament or at least reach the finals, it is practically a guarantee that they will be a top seed on Selection Sunday.