By the time Saturday evening rolls around, the collegiate world will be able to gauge how the Kansas Jayhawks’ season went.
Even with a win against archrivals Kansas State to finish off the regular season, things will likely end on a bit of a sour note.
As it stands, the Jayhawks will most likely qualify for the double bye in the Big 12 Tournament if they win, which will provide a slight reprieve heading into a daunting tournament slate.
A rough stretch to end the season
It is hard to be able to wear off the boon of an eight-game winning run, but Kansas’ 2-4 record over the last six games certainly tests the limits. Of the four losses Self and Co. endured, each ended by double digits, and two of the losses came against unranked teams.
It would be unfair to not mention the fact that three of Kansas’ games came against teams ranked inside the top five. And typically those losses — while not preferred — are more understandable, but defeats to Cincinnati and Arizona State are worrying signs to say the least.
ESPN’s power rankings still keep the Jayhawks inside the top 15
In Jeff Borzello’s latest power rankings, KU finished 14th, a drop of four spots from last week's 10th.
“They've now been held below 0.89 points per possession in three of the past six games; over that six-game stretch, Kansas ranks just 147th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 362nd in 2-point percentage, quoted Borzello.
Kansas finished behind Arizona (2), Houston (7), Iowa State (9), and Texas Tech (13). If there was a crew that thrived off of silver linings, then they would be pleased to know that Self’s 21-9 team has beaten all of those.
What is next for the Jayhawks?
Allen Fieldhouse will play host to the Wildcats on Saturday on CBS with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
According to ESPN Analytics, Kansas holds a 90.2% chance of winning.
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