Last Monday was the Big East Game Of The Season. This Monday was the Big 12 version. #15 Kansas and #3 Oklahoma, both 11-1 in the conference, faced off in Norman, and the two teams went at it. Even though the Oklahoma was without POY favorite F Blake Griffin, who suffered a concussion in their loss Saturday vs. Texas, you knew the Sooners, playing at home, and with plenty of firepower via guys like G Willie Warren and F Taylor Griffin.
That being said, Kansas did jump out to a 20-point lead in the second, with the aide of a 15-2 run. However, Oklahoma was at the crib, and use full-court pressure to fight their way back to within three. Oklahoma's comback was led by Willie Warrenm who had 26 (freshman of the year???), and Cade Davis, who hit 4 threes, including 2 that helped fuel the Sooners comeback. Taylor Griffin added 11, starting PG Austin Johnson scored just 2 points due to injury.
Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins came up HUGE for the Jayhaws. Aldrich's play was reminiscent of Michigan St.'s Goran Suton Sunday vs. Wisconsin - tough play, cleaning the glass. and finishing inside. Aldrich finished 15 points, 20 boards, and 4 blocks. Collins was CLUTCH, and repped Chi-city to the fullest, scoring 22 of his 26 in the second half, including 5 threes. Every three he hit was a game changer or a dagger. I love how Sherron, and all Chi-Town guards for that matter, never back down from anybody, and, in fact, turn the gmaes into "mano y mano" showdowns. Earlier this season Collins and Syracuse's Johnny Flynn were going bucket for bucket, and Collins did the same thing Monday against Wille Warren. In one sequence Sherron hit a deep three, then Willie Warren pulled up and dropped one off, and Sherron retaliated with another deep three of his own.
Also, Bill Self deserves big ups, and coach of the year consideration. A year after winning the National Championship and losing every player that got real tick other than Collins and Aldrich, Self has the Jayhawks right back atop the Big 12 and winners of 12 of their last 13. And get this: he's doing it with a team with NO SENIORS. Sherron Collins and junior college transfer Mario Little, who's been injured for good portion of the seniors, are the lone Juniors. The rest of the team is freshmen - headed by Tyshawn Taylor, who had 26 vs. Oklahoma and twins, Marcus and Markief Morris - and sophomores, led by Cole Aldrich. While it probably won't happen this year, it won't be long before Kansas will be threatening to cut down the nets again.
In the other Top 25 game, #6 Lousiville beat Georgetown 76-58.
Peep the new Top 25 rankings. Pitt's back on top.
Selection Sunday is just 3 weeks away. Joe Lunardi breaks it down...
Via: ESPN
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