The Kansas basketball team is 9-3 in Big 12 conference play, and 19-6 overall. They are still in the mix as one of five teams who could possibly win the banner. Arizona, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and Kansas all have either two or three losses.
The Jayhawks have games against two of those teams left on the schedule. They still have to play Houston and Arizona, but before those games next week, KU has to get by Oklahoma State and Cincinnati first.
A loss to either the Cowboys on the road or to the Bearcats at home would probably destroy the Jayhawks' chances at another Big 12 title.
Kansas must not overlook their next two opponents if it hopes to win the Big 12
Neither Oklahoma State nor Cincinnati are competing for a conference title, but both are fighting for seeding in the Big 12 tournament, and both need wins to bolster their hopes for an NCAA tournament bid.
Kansas cannot take either team lightly. KU often struggles at Oklahoma State, as the crowd is usually a raucous one when the Jayhawks come calling. At least KU gets Cincinnati at home. The Bearcats beat Iowa State in Cincinnati, and that indicates that on the right night, they can compete with anyone.
With the top two teams in the conference looming next week, the Jayhawks have to be focused on the teams in front of them now. They play Oklahoma State on Wednesday, then Cincinnati on Saturday, before Houston comes to town.
The games against the Cowboys and Bearcats are often referred to as trap games. They are games against opponents a team might look past if they are not focused enough. While these two schools don't carry the gravitas this season as Arizona or Houston, a loss to either would be devastating to KU's hopes.
Head coach Bill Self and his veteran staff, plus the leadership the team has in Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White, should keep the Jayhawks locked into the opponents at hand and not those looming in the future. Kansas cannot afford a letdown now.
If KU can stay focused on Oklahoma State, then Cincinnati, then the following games against Houston and Arizona will be that much more important and exciting. Kansas must stay on task first.
Make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog