Bill Self’s Kansas Team Expected to Exit AP Top 10 Following Back-to-Back Defeats – Sky Bulletin
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WACO, Texas (AP) — With consecutive defeats for the first time this season, the Kansas Jayhawks are set to drop from the top 10 in The Associated Press poll, a position they’ve held for three seasons. The losses also dashed their hopes of clinching the Big 12 regular-season championship.
Despite the recent setbacks, including the 82-74 loss on Saturday to 15th-ranked Baylor, Kansas coach Bill Self remains optimistic. “I actually thought we did some good things,” Self reflected. He emphasized the importance of focusing on both process and outcome, rather than solely the latter.
The Jayhawks (21-8, 9-7 Big 12) endured a pivotal rough stretch in the second half against Baylor (21-8, 10-6), a team that, like Kansas, has a tradition of success including a streak of 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament wins.
With Big 12 top scorer Kevin McCullar Jr. back after a knee injury, and Hunter Dickinson also netting 20 points, the Jayhawks displayed impressive shooting, especially in the paint.
McCullar shared Self’s straightforward post-game message: March is critical, and it’s time to win or go home. The team is setting their sights on the upcoming games, including their last home game against Kansas State, and finishing the regular season at Houston, with aspirations of a strong performance in the Big 12 tournament thereafter.
Following a stunning home defeat by BYU, the Jayhawks are on the verge of potentially extending their record of consecutive winning records in conference play. Their 55-week tenure as a top-10 team, which culminated in a national championship, is under threat, but Self leaves Baylor with a sense of measured hope after the game’s performance.
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For more AP college basketball coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball.
FAQ Section
- Why is Kansas likely to fall out of the top 10?
Kansas is expected to fall out of the AP top 10 after suffering consecutive losses for the first time this season, which has affected their ranking. - What message did Coach Bill Self give the team?
Bill Self’s message to the team was centered on the importance of March games, where it’s crucial to win or go home. He encouraged the team to learn from the losses and prepare for the upcoming challenges, including the Big 12 tournament. - How did Kansas perform in the game against Baylor?
Despite the loss, Kansas showed a strong offense, with significant points in the paint and a 55% shooting accuracy. The team’s defensive effort was stronger in the first half compared to the second half of the game.
Conclusion
The Kansas Jayhawks, under the helm of Coach Bill Self, find themselves in unfamiliar territory as their streak in the AP top 10 wavers. While the consecutive losses are a blow to their standing in the Big 12 and national rankings, the team’s solid performance against a worthy Baylor squad offers a glimmer of hope. With March Madness beckoning and the legacy of their winning record at stake, Kansas is poised to regroup and showcase their resilience in the face of adversity. Coach Self’s balanced perspective and steady leadership will be key as the Jayhawks look to extend their impressive record in conference play and make a deep run in the impending Big 12 tournament.
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