It took 24 years for the Kansas State Wildcats to beat Kansas at home, but with the help of three freshman who weren’t even born when the streak started they knocked off the Jayhawks, 84-75 last night. The predicted advantage of the Kansas guards never materialized as freshman Jacob Pullen tallied 20 points and the Wildcats hit 12 three point shots.
Leading Player of the Year Candidate, Michael Beasley, was spectacular once again. Facing a double team everytime down the floor he still managed to score 25 pints and grab 6 rebounds. When the game was in the balance he calmly stepped outside and sank a three point shot (his fourth of the night). I didn’t think it was possible, but he is better than advertised. Also, fellow freshman Bill Walker scored 22 points on 9-18 shooting.
The Cats led almost the entire game and really did a number on the glass. They were able to get key baskets off offensive rebounds all night long. Standing alone at 5-0 in the Big 12 it is a lofty perch for first year head coach, Frank Martin. After last night’s perfomrance I hope he gets the recognition he deserves for molding this team with nine newcomers into a cohesive unit.
For Kansas it is only a bump in the road. However, I am still concerned about the disappearing act that Brandon Rush did. He had opportunities to step up and take over, but never did. For the Jayhawks to win it all Rush will need to put himself front and center just as Beasley has done for Kansas State.
Down in Texas, it seems that Texas A & M has righted the ship as they ripped off their second win in a row with a convincing 80-63 win over Texas. I wonder if Mark Turgeon is getting any credit this morning. As he said in his meltdown news conference last week, “if we win Gillispie will get all the credit.” My response is be thankful for the talent you inherited. You could be like Greg Marshall who inherited your Wichita State team with no players left what so ever.
In Columbia fans are wondering if they will ever escape the off the court problems. Two years ago Missouri had a chance to hire Bob Huggins before he went to Kansas State, but decided the safe choice was Mike Anderson. Now after suspending five players and losing your best player to a bar fight (Stefon Hannah out 4-6 weeks with broken jaw.), I am sure they are second guessing themselves. With the Wildcats headed for the NCAA tournament, Missouri loses at home to last place Nebraska. Could be a long year for the Tigers. The frustrating part is that the majority of players getting in trouble are not leftovers, they are Anderson recruits. Not a good sign of the program moving forward.
