NCAA Basketball: Kansas State, Providence on the rise on latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
2. Kansas (14-1)
There can be no questions; this is one of the elite programs in college basketball. The defending champions have looked outstanding for most of this year, outside of a rough stretch around Thanksgiving during their holiday tournament. The Jayhawks have a blend of new and old talent and the results are paying off early and often for the Big 12 favorites.
They took their show on the road this week and didn’t blink, holding on for a 75-72 road win at Texas Tech. DaJuan Harris Jr. put up 18 points to lead the Jayhawks, who shot just under 50% from the field. Saturday brought another road game but another Kansas victory, this time in a 76-62 game against West Virginia. Jalen Wilson was impressive with 14 points and 14 rebounds while freshman Gradey Dick led the team with 16 points, including four 3-pointers.
This offense has been stellar, especially from long-range in recent weeks. If the Jayhawks keep making their shots and playing above-average defense, it’s going to take a monumental effort for these Big 12 teams to keep them from another conference title. An anemic performance in their sole loss to Tennessee looks far in the rearview mirror. In even better news, the Jayhawks stay home next week, welcoming Oklahoma and Iowa State as they attempt to get to 5-0 in Big 12 play.