13 Straight For Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks have done it again, becoming a conference champion that is. Last night the Jayhawks knocked off TCU by 21 points to win their 13th straight conference title. This was not the only reason why Jayhawk fans should be excited, it was a special night at Allen Fieldhouse. Now before I talk about that, I want to talk about the actual game.

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I feel like a broken record by saying that Frank Mason led the way in scoring with 20 points. This is nothing new for Jayhawk fans, as Mason has led this team all year long. I think what was is really important about this game is the play that we saw from a few individuals and the final score of the game. The final score of the game is important because before the game KU was a 12 or 13 point favorite over TCU. I mention this because most of conference play for the Hawks has been decided by single digits and normally by last second plays. With KU winning by 21 last night you have to think that is something that this team can build on.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Now back to the few individuals that I would like to talk about. You are probably looking at this picture of Jackson and wondering why I would mention him and his play when he has been dynamic all season. Well the reason I bring Jackson up is because in the first half of the game last night Jackson went up for the ball and came down hard. Fans could instantly tell he was hurt and the crowd at the Fieldhouse went silent. After being helped to the locker room, fans wondered the condition of Jackson. It was all for not as a few minutes later Jackson came running back to the bench and was soon put back in. He ended the night with 15 points and for that, he earns a spot in this blog.

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Carlton Bragg is the other player that had a really good game. All season fans have wondered when Bragg would get it together and be more productive, which I think he showed he is very capable of. Dealing with off court issues it seemed as if Bragg was in a slump he could not get out of. However last night we saw the Carlton Bragg that we have been waiting for. Finishing the night with 15 points (tied career high,) 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, Bragg looked as if he had a new found energy. He came up big for the Hawks as Landen Lucas was struggling. Bragg left fans saying we want more, and for that I personally would give the game ball to him. However, with 3 games left before tournament play, can Bragg stay consistent? Now is the time for him to show everyone that he can.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Now on to the fun parts of last night, with the win over TCU and just 3 games left in conference play, the Jayhawks have won at least a share of their 13th straight conference title. With KU holding a 3 game lead over the 2nd place Baylor Bears, it seems like KU will most likely win the title outright, maybe by 2 or 3 games, which is saying a LOT in this conference that is projected to send 6 teams to the National Tournament. 13 conference titles ties the all time record for consecutive titles.  

Finally it was a special night for Kansas fans as number 25, Branden Rush got his jersey hung up in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse. Arguably one of Self's best guards that he had, Rush was very deserving of this honor. For those that do not know, Branden Rush is currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves with former Jayhawks Andrew Wiggins, and Cole Aldrich.