As I was preparing to watch the Missouri Tigers vs. Kansas Jayhawks game with a friend, I said it seems like KU basketball always starts off hot with some ridiculous run to open the game, especially at Allen Fieldhouse. So I was a bit surprised when I didn't see an 18-4 Kansas head start but a Mizzou team that was operating efficiently, effectively and quickly.
"I thought Missouri played really well the first half," Kansas head coach Bill Self said. "I thought they outplayed us and we were fortunate to be up four just because Mario (Little) and Travis (Releford) made some shots and Travis made a good play at the end of the half. We didn't play very well in the first half, we didn't really guard them of course they are very quick."
I thought Missouri would give KU a heck of a game, but that Kansas is simply too deep. Missouri was really efficient in the first half and they were down four. Could they keep it up? Unlikely, especially against a Kansas team whose second five could start at most D-I schools.
"You look at the difference in the game and it was the sixth, seventh and eighth man going 14-of-17 from the field," Self said. "I don't think there are a lot of teams that have that luxury. Of course Mario (Little) is going to give himself a chance to score because he is going to clip it off as soon as he touches it usually. Tonight he was feeling it and of course he bailed us out."
The final: Kansas 103 Missouri 86. It wasn't until a little more than midway through the second half before Kansas started to pull away and, once KU gets a double-digit lead in Allen Fieldhouse, pack it up and head home. It's over. (Editor's Note: I shouldn't say that with the Texas game just a couple weeks ago..)
A few thoughts after the game:
*Missouri, when at their best, can hang with Kansas. Unfortunately, I'm not sure they can do that an entire game.
*Kansas is deep which allows them to win any way you want them to. In other words, this team should love the March.
*I don't watch much Ohio State, but it's hard for me to see how Kansas is not the best team in the country.