NCAA Basketball: Purdue, Virginia falls, Marquette and Gonzaga rise in top 25 power rankings

3. Kansas Jayhawks – 24-5 (12-4 Big 12)

One of the things the Jayhawks have been really good at in the Big 12 this season is winning close games. If you can’t blow them out, odds are you aren’t beating them. The latest two opponents found that out the hard way in TCU and West Virginia.

Up first was the Horned Frogs, who pushed Kansas for all 40 minutes. In the end, Kansas was able to pull out the 63-58 win. Freshman Gradey Dick led all scorers with 19 points, while Kevin McCullar had 15 points and seven rebounds. Jalen Wilson had a rare off-night with just seven points but did make up for it with 13 rebounds.

The next game against West Virginia had more scoring but was just as competitive, with the game coming down to the final minute. But the Jayhawks once again had just enough to survive, pulling out the 76-74 win at home. All five starters were in double figures, with Dajuan Harris having 17 points, while both McCullar and Dick chipped in with 16.

Kansas now finds itself with a one-game lead over Texas in the Big 12 standings, in position to win yet another regular-season title. They have Texas Tech at home first this week, before heading down to Austin for a massive showdown to determine whether or not the Jayhawks have to share the title.