The dip in success over the previous couple of seasons for Kansas, at the very least relative to the unimaginable normal Invoice Self set in his first twenty years guiding this system, has been well-documented.
The Jayhawks completed exterior of the highest 4 of the Large 12 standings for the primary time underneath Self two years in the past. Then they did it once more final season. So when KU began 1-2 within the Large 12 this season and dropped out of the Related Press Prime 25 ballot, it appeared the Jayhawks is perhaps headed for a 3rd straight end exterior of the highest 4 within the Large 12 standings after successful at the very least a share of the convention championship in 16 of Self’s first 20 years on campus.
And what? They nonetheless may.
There’s a lengthy technique to go and many good groups within the Large 12. However Tuesday night time felt like a doable turning level for Kansas, because the Jayhawks hosted undefeated Iowa State and have become the primary group to beat TJ Otzelberger’s Cyclones this season.
Closing rating: Kansas 84, Iowa State 63.
Regardless of closing as 3.5-point underdogs, the Jayhawks managed the competition from begin to end, by no means trailed, and led by as many as 26 factors. 5-star freshman Darryn Peterson acquired 16 factors and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. Tre White, the switch from Illinois, led all scorers with 19 factors.
“I used to be in a greater temper teaching tonight,” Self mentioned afterward, “as a result of I believed the fellows tried so arduous.”
Kansas is as much as No. 18 in Wednesday morning’s up to date CBS Sports activities Prime 25 And 1 every day school basketball rankings, the place Arizona stays No. 1 for the fourth consecutive day. Subsequent up for the Jayhawks are three straight video games in opposition to presently unranked opponents — particularly Baylor, Colorado and Kansas State. KU’s subsequent contest in opposition to a ranked opponent will come on the final day of January, when the Jayhawks host AJ Dybantsa and BYU.