Kansas loses third straight game to Oklahoma
by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports
Only a week ago, the Kansas Jayhawks were the No. 1 team in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Now, they don’t even look like they’re the top team in the Big 12.
Oklahoma edged Kansas 72-66, dealing the reeling Jayhwaks their third consecutive loss, the first three-loss losing streak since 2005.
If Kansas State beats Iowa State on Saturday night, Kansas (19-4, 7-3) will fall into a tie for second with Oklahoma State. It’s a perplexing scenario that seemed downright impossible before this disastrous skid. Then again, it also seemed impossible for Kansas to lose to last-place TCU.
“It was the worst team Kansas has ever put on the floor,” KU coach Bill Self said after his team lost 62-55 on Wednesday to the worst team in the Big 12. “Since Dr. (James) Naismith was there. I think he had some bad teams and lost to the YMCA the first couple years.”
You’d think that harsh criticism would spark a team with two of the best players (Jeff Withey, Ben McLemore) in the country. That wasn’t the case. The Jayhawks still looked sluggish.
Obviously, the losing has become contagious for a team that won 18 consecutive games this season.
“They don’t have a leader on the floor, that’s why they look lost. Ben McLemore is quiet,” ESPN analyst and former Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said.
The Sooners (15-7, 6-4 Big 12) snapped a 10-game losing streak in the series and took down a top-five opponent for the first time since beating No. 4 Texas in 2006. Romero Osby scored 17 points and Steven Pledger added 15 in the win.
Fans stormed the court after Buddy Hield came up with a steal and dunked as the final buzzer sounded.
… [For more on Reeling No. 5 Kansas loses third consecutive game to Oklahoma, click here.]
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