In a rematch of their contest three months ago at Phog Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, the Kansas Jayhawks and the Ohio State Buckeyes will do battle with one another. While their previous game was merely a contest to prove each other's mettle versus a top notch non-conference opponent, now it can serve as a learning tool for a chance to play for a national championship on Monday night.
Kansas defeated Ohio State 78-67 back in December, but the Buckeyes were without the services of a 100% Jared Sullinger. Now, three months later, both teams are healthy and ready to do battle one more time. Sullinger spoke to the media about the rematch and the potential matchup with Kansas center Jeff Withey.
Jared Sullinger on being disappointed on not being able to play vs. KU in December:
I was very disappointed, but I coudn't show it in front of my teammates. Coach says they look at me for an energy boost, so I can't show that anything's wrong. When I got there, I tried stretching my back out and seeing if I could do certain squats and what not. It was hurtful, but my teammates needed to see me out there clapping it up and rooting them on.
Sullinger on the matchup with KU center Jeff Withey:
Jeff Withey is a great basketball player. 7-footer, can finish around the rim and can block shots. He's the type of player you want on your basketball team because he can make a team go with his presence and being out on the floor. Everyone's making a big deal about Thomas Robinson vs. Jared Sullinger. But really its Kansas vs. Ohio State, let the best team win.
Sullnger's back to full strength now, and Ohio State will be facing a team that has evolved quite a bit since December. KU vs. OSU will be the second game in Saturday's semifinal, so stay tuned for more.
For more on the Final Four match-up between the Jayhawks and Buckeyes, check out SB Nation Kansas City, SB Nation's college basketball page and this StoryStream. For team news and info, head over to Rock Chalk Talk and Along The Olentangy.