JimBob
03-03-2009, 09:29 AM
Big 12 Insider
By BILL HAISTEN World sports writer
Published: 3/3/2009 2:32 AM
Last Modified: 3/3/2009 4:29 AM
Frontrunner
Kansas. The Jayhawks prevailed last week at Oklahoma, but it was an asterisk victory. The Sooners were without Blake Griffin. But on Sunday, Kansas hosted Missouri in a Border War showdown at Lawrence. The talented Tigers were at full strength, and the Jayhawks won by 25 points. It was among the most impressive victories by any Big 12 team this season. Kansas' stars played brilliantly. Sherron Collins totaled 25 points, six assists and five rebounds. Big man Cole Aldrich had 19 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Tyshawn Taylor followed his outstanding performance at OU with a 15-point, six-assists afternoon against Mizzou.
Rising
Oklahoma State. In recording their fifth consecutive victory (the Big 12's longest win streak), the Cowboys limited Texas to 31.5 percent shooting from the field. It was the worst shooting by an OSU opponent since Dec. 31, 2007, when Northwestern State connected on just 24.5 percent of its shots. The Cowboys held Texas to 18 first-half points. After closing the home schedule vs. K-State on Tuesday, OSU travels to Norman for Bedlam on Saturday.
Falling
Nebraska. The Huskers hoped to record their first Big 12 winning record in 10 years, but have been dealt three straight defeats, sinking to 16-11 overall and 6-8 in league play. In a 57-55 home loss to Texas A&M, the Aggies' Josh Carter swished a 3-pointer as time expired. Nebraska blew an 18-point, second-half lead. The Huskers followed with a strong effort at Kansas State, but lost 77-72.
"As a coach, that's always the first thing that you look for," Doc Sadler said of his team's effort. "I don't know if anyone else would come to the party, but I would throw a party for these guys."
Game to watch
Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., KTUL-8). The stakes are high for both teams. For the surging Cowboys, a victory would impress the NCAA Selection Committee. For the Sooners, a win would strengthen their bid for an NCAA No. 1 seed.
News and notes
Kansas again: Following its nine-point triumph at Oklahoma with a 25-point blowout of Missouri on Sunday, Kansas is one win shy of clinching at least a share of their fifth straight Big 12 regular-season title.
The Jayhawks (24-5 overall, 13-1 Big 12) are defending national champs, but coach Bill Self entered the season with five new starters. As of Monday, Kansas was No. 9 in the Associated Press poll — its highest ranking of the season.
"That's what we do here — we win," said KU's Collins, who scored 26 points at OU and 25 against Mizzou.
Against Kansas, 15th-ranked Missouri trailed by 26 points at halftime.
"That's probably the best half of basketball we played since the North Carolina game last year," said coach Bill Self, referring last year's national semifinal win over the Tar Heels.
RPI update: Six Big 12 teams were among the nation's top 38 in Monday's CollegeRPI.com rankings. OU is No. 5, followed by KU at No. 7, Missouri at 13, OSU at 31, Texas A&M at 35 and Texas at 38.
In the Ratings Percentage Index ranking of the conferences, the Big 12 is fourth. The ACC is the leader, then the Big Ten and Big East. Conference USA is 10th. The Summit League is 26th.
By BILL HAISTEN World sports writer
Published: 3/3/2009 2:32 AM
Last Modified: 3/3/2009 4:29 AM
Frontrunner
Kansas. The Jayhawks prevailed last week at Oklahoma, but it was an asterisk victory. The Sooners were without Blake Griffin. But on Sunday, Kansas hosted Missouri in a Border War showdown at Lawrence. The talented Tigers were at full strength, and the Jayhawks won by 25 points. It was among the most impressive victories by any Big 12 team this season. Kansas' stars played brilliantly. Sherron Collins totaled 25 points, six assists and five rebounds. Big man Cole Aldrich had 19 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Tyshawn Taylor followed his outstanding performance at OU with a 15-point, six-assists afternoon against Mizzou.
Rising
Oklahoma State. In recording their fifth consecutive victory (the Big 12's longest win streak), the Cowboys limited Texas to 31.5 percent shooting from the field. It was the worst shooting by an OSU opponent since Dec. 31, 2007, when Northwestern State connected on just 24.5 percent of its shots. The Cowboys held Texas to 18 first-half points. After closing the home schedule vs. K-State on Tuesday, OSU travels to Norman for Bedlam on Saturday.
Falling
Nebraska. The Huskers hoped to record their first Big 12 winning record in 10 years, but have been dealt three straight defeats, sinking to 16-11 overall and 6-8 in league play. In a 57-55 home loss to Texas A&M, the Aggies' Josh Carter swished a 3-pointer as time expired. Nebraska blew an 18-point, second-half lead. The Huskers followed with a strong effort at Kansas State, but lost 77-72.
"As a coach, that's always the first thing that you look for," Doc Sadler said of his team's effort. "I don't know if anyone else would come to the party, but I would throw a party for these guys."
Game to watch
Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., KTUL-8). The stakes are high for both teams. For the surging Cowboys, a victory would impress the NCAA Selection Committee. For the Sooners, a win would strengthen their bid for an NCAA No. 1 seed.
News and notes
Kansas again: Following its nine-point triumph at Oklahoma with a 25-point blowout of Missouri on Sunday, Kansas is one win shy of clinching at least a share of their fifth straight Big 12 regular-season title.
The Jayhawks (24-5 overall, 13-1 Big 12) are defending national champs, but coach Bill Self entered the season with five new starters. As of Monday, Kansas was No. 9 in the Associated Press poll — its highest ranking of the season.
"That's what we do here — we win," said KU's Collins, who scored 26 points at OU and 25 against Mizzou.
Against Kansas, 15th-ranked Missouri trailed by 26 points at halftime.
"That's probably the best half of basketball we played since the North Carolina game last year," said coach Bill Self, referring last year's national semifinal win over the Tar Heels.
RPI update: Six Big 12 teams were among the nation's top 38 in Monday's CollegeRPI.com rankings. OU is No. 5, followed by KU at No. 7, Missouri at 13, OSU at 31, Texas A&M at 35 and Texas at 38.
In the Ratings Percentage Index ranking of the conferences, the Big 12 is fourth. The ACC is the leader, then the Big Ten and Big East. Conference USA is 10th. The Summit League is 26th.