As the star players of the Kansas Jayhawks think back to their first meeting with Kentucky this season, it’s clear that they both have ill feelings about the loss to the Wildcats early in the season. Thus it’s not surprising to hear Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson speak about how much they want to right what went wrong the last time these teams met in tonight’s national championship game.
"It’s extra motivation. I want payback," junior forward Robinson said. "I don’t want anyone to think they have the upper hand on me, and I’ve thought that all season about Kentucky, but I get to see them again."
"When you play a team that beat you, you want another chance. We get another chance. It’s not like a revenge game, but it’s one of those things like, ‘We’re back … do it again,’’’ senior point guard Taylor said. "Basically, we want to make them come out and beat us. They’re going to have to play their best game of the year."
Tonight they will get their chance on the biggest possible stage in the Superdome at New Orleans. It’s the two winningest programs in college basketball history facing off for yet another banner to lift up into the rafters. For the Jayhawks, the revenge factor would be the icing on the cake.
For more on this game, visit Kentucky blog A Sea Of Blue and Kansas blog Rock Chalk Talk. Head over to SB Nation NCAA Basketball. For all your 2012 March Madness needs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NCAA Tournament hub.