Blogging Fusion

When you just beat the #2 team in the country, how is it that you can turn around lose to a team who is ranked #9 in the Big 12? For one, you have to be lead by Freshmen (check), a coach who has no idea what he's doing (check), and be on the road (check). KSU's loss to Missouri showed why this team is going to have a one-and-done year. Frank Martin was hired for the sole purpose of keeping Michael Beasley and Bill Walker. Once they leave for the NBA in the spring, he will (or should) be gone. He cannot coach at this level, and it showed on Saturday.

On the other side, Kansas came off their only loss of the season with a subpar win at Colorado and then a massacre of Missouri in Lawrence. Two things bother me about this team. The guards get beat too easily off the dribble, which puts the big men in bad situations. When guys get into the lane, they will either draw a foul or have an open kickout for three. And when the opposing team is nailing shots beyond the arc, like K-State did, it could turn into a loss.

The second problem is that they don't seem to really care that much. Yes, they try to win, but I'm not convinced that they actually want to win. Michael Jordan became the greatest basketball player ever because every night he wanted to embarrass the team he was playing. He had natural motivation. Too many time have the Jayhawks been bailed out by their talent. It won't work in March.

As for Missouri, they play like a team and never quit, but with Hannah out, the season is over. All they can do is hope to upset some teams like they did with KSU.

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The last time K-State had beaten KU in Manhattan

Well, that last entry is no longer a fact. After last night's brilliant performance from the Wildcats, they ended a nasty losing streak and KU's winning streak with a 84-75 victory.

How, you might ask? Making 12 three pointers doesn't hurt. And that stat, to me, explains the entire game. Holding Michael Beasley to 25 points and six rebounds is actually pretty good. Unfortunately, that led to KSU jacking up threes, and even though that seemed to be Bill Self's gameplan, it backfired.

When you look at the other stats, it's hard to tell how the Cats seemed to control the game. The shot a worse percentage from the field (43% to 48%), worse from the charity strike (75% to 85%), and only had two more rebounds (28 to 26). Plus, both teams had their share of turnovers (13 to 16). The only other stat that jumps out is nearly half of KSU's rebounds were offensive.

So, what does that mean to both teams? For one, KU put up some good numbers, even when it seemed like they weren't playing as well as they should have. Secondly, K-State is not going shoot that lights out from beyond the arc consistently. And without it, I doubt they would have won the game.

There's a lot to learn from this game. Neither team is defined by it, but whoever figures that out first is going to have an easier time. So before we make any decisions on their futures, let's see how things pan out in Lawrence.

Now, before we announce the Wildcats as a contender, it must be noted that A&M couldn't buy a shot. They were missing layups like they played for the Knicks. KSU held them to 38% shooting, while in their last three meaningful games (Oklahoma, Xavier and Cal), their defense gave up shooting percentages of 53, 53 and 50.

Don't get me wrong, they played a great game, but let's see if they can be a little more consistent down the stretch. Perhaps going to Lawrence on the 30th might show us who they really are. But right now, I'm leaning towards a solid club with extreme talent.

And let's not forget the KU/MU game. This was good for both teams. For Kansas, they went into a hostile environment against a fast paced team, did not play particularly well, and still got the win. This is pretty much what it's like playing a mid-major in March.

For Mizzou, they hung with one of the best teams in the country. Sure, they would have liked to win, but Tiger fans should feel good that they can play with anyone. They did the same with Michigan State, not to mention they beat Texas. But they still need to find a way to win these close games, which looks to be their biggest weakness. Some of the shots they took late in the game were horrendous, and might have been the difference in the game.

Don't look now, but Baylor is 3-0 in conference play, and ranked #25 in the AP poll. Next up: Texas A&M.

Kansas beating Nebraska was no surprise. K-State beating Oklahoma and Missouri beating Texas? OK, that caught me off guard.

First off, the Tigers absolutely needed this win. If they want any shot to make the tournament, these are exactly the kind of games they have to have. However, they are not going to make twelve three-pointers every night. They were also out-rebounded, surrendering 21 offensive rebounds. But that's their style, which is ultimately what's going to kill them. That's why I never liked their choice to hire Mike Anderson to begin with. I doubt it will work consistently in the Big 12.

Now the Michael Beasley show. Seriously, how good is this kid? 32 points off of 13-18 shooting, plus 11 rebounds ain't too shabby. Neither was Bill Walker's 22 points off of 8-11 shooting. Only one question: who else is going to contribute? The Wildcats' Big Two should get them into the tournament, but much like Texas last year, two good players and a shaky coach isn't getting you anywhere. Bob Huggins really killed this team by leaving, and it's showing. Somebody needs to coach Beasley how to not turn the ball over eight times, which was half the team total.

And Kansas - what can I say? Anything less than a Final Four for this team is inexcusable. They are scary good.

While we might not learn much about Kansas on Saturday when they open conference play at Nebraska, Missouri and K-State have some things to show. The Tigers will host #12 Texas, who has knocked off two top-ten teams, including then-#1 UCLA. Will they be the team that came within three points of Michigan State (who beat Texas), or the team who lost by twelve to Mississippi State? Huge test for Mike Anderson and company.

Kansas State have played four tough opponents, which account for all four of their losses. They travel to Oklahoma to play a tough Sooner team. This won't be another Savannah State, who the Wildcats beat 85-25 (yes, you read that right). The Sooners didn't do well last year when facing a one-man team, as they fell twice to Texas and Kevin Durant. With that being said, if K-State wants any kind of success tomorrow, or for the rest of the season, somebody other than Michael Beasley has to show up.

Then there's Kansas, who go to Lincoln. This really shouldn't be a contest at all. KU is one of the top-three teams in the country, and coach Self seems to be doing a hell of a job getting his team focused. After calling out Brandon Rush, this team is ready responding and is ready to play. Oh, and Cornhusker fans, the Jayhawks have spent all week talking about how they are being slighted by the national media. Expect them to take out that anger on you.

Here's some food for thought: Forbes has rated Kansas #8 and Missouri #12 as their Most Valuable College Basketball Teams. What aren't these two teams competing for these days?