The #2 seeded Kansas Jayhawks faced former coach Roy Williams' North Carolina Tar Heels in the Regional Final of the Midwest Region. Led by Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson the Jayhawks defeated the Tar Heels 80-67. Taylor had 22 points and Robinson had double-double (18 points and ten rebounds). Jeff Withey had three blocks including one that led to a fast break that put Kansas up by 7 with less than two minutes remaining. Withey also had a double-double (15 points and ten rebounds). Elijah Johnson hit a three point shot that put Kansas up 71-67 which Kansas never looked back after that. Johnson had ten points. Travis Releford's defensive prowess shut down North Carolina's offense. Releford finished with 11 points.
Many commentators picked Kansas to have a down year after losing four starters. Kansas was chosen to finish fifth in the Big 12, Kansas won their eighth straight regular season Big 12 Championship. It is believed by many people that this is Bill Self's best coaching job of his career. Many media personalities chose Kansas to make an early NCAA Tournament exit, including Dick Vitale who chose Kansas to lose in the second round. Kansas beat Detroit by 15, then beat Purdue by three. Then North Carolina State by three in the Sweet 16, then North Carolina by 13 in the Elite 8. Kansas has had their scares this year but they have prevailed so far this year. Let's see if Kansas can make their improbable run last two more games.
No comments:
Post a Comment