Towards the end of the season, every game matters for Kansas. It’s not just about the wins: it’s about building a winning resume. On Wednesday night, it started with a win over a bubble team as Kansas took down BYU 81-60.
Why a dominant Jayhawks’ win turns heads
Kansas didn’t just beat BYU – they dominated. The Cougars entered the game as one of ESPN’s “Last Four In” in Bracketology, but the Jayhawks had other plans, becoming just the second unranked conference opponent to topple them on the road.
The win became Kansas’ second-largest margin of victory since the start of conference play, trailing only the most recent Sunflower Showdown.
Make no mistake – basic talent doesn’t win games by that margin, star power does. Jaliya Davis scored 28 points, grabbing a season-high 12 rebounds, marking the fourth time in five games she’s posted at least 20 points and five boards.
S’Mya Nichols added 17 points against BYU and has consistently contributed with 22 and 24 points in previous conference matchups, shooting 46.6% from the field despite fewer minutes than Davis.
That combination of talent, dominance on the floor and presence in the paint makes performances like that impossible to ignore.
Building Momentum in the unforgiving Big 12
Wednesday’s game doesn’t do much in terms of conference standings. If nothing else, it puts them another game up from the bottom. The Jayhawks remain a game behind both K-State and BYU and one spot above Cincinnati. Still, they remain two games shy of catching Colorado, Iowa State, or Arizona State.
Their most recent outing, however, sends a message – this team isn’t just capable of winning. They’re capable of running up the score, and not just on their home court.
Kansas’ two previous losses both came by a single score: 69-66 against Colorado and 79-77 on the road against then-No. 12 TCU. They have yet to take down a ranked opponent, but have come within a single score twice.
Both TCU and Baylor remain tied for the top spot, followed by Texas Tech, the third and final ranked opponent standing between Kansas and a potential tournament bid come March. The Jayhawks have two chances against the Lady Raiders, once at home and another on the road.
What it will take to earn a tournament bid
The first answer to this question is easy – regardless of the team’s overall record, a Big 12 Tournament championship guarantees an automatic bid. If that’s not the case, three must-win games remain.
Wins over Cincinnati and K-State, along with a split against No. 18 Texas Tech strengthens the case. Regardless of the outcome, the final test of the season against Oklahoma State has the potential to make or break the Jayhawks.
Make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog