Big 12 Tournament: Day Two opener
For the opening tip between Colorado and Texas Tech late Wednesday morning, there were perhaps 1,000 fans in the stands.
For the opening tip between Kansas and Texas Tech late Thursday morning, there were perhaps 1,000 empty seats.
Even with an 11:30 a.m. tip on a weekday, there are obvious advantages with the KU campus being just 42 miles from the Sprint Center.
Roughly 200 Texas Tech fans were on hand Thursday. The Red Raider women’s team had an 11 a.m. start in the women’s tournament six blocks away at Municipal Auditorium. The Texas Tech band played the first half at the women’s game and the second half at the men’s game.
Despite having a huge advantage in the stands, KU held a very small advantage on the court, leading just 34-32 at halftime.
The Jayhawks closed out the game with a 15-5 run to win 80-68 for the program’s 2,000th victory of all-time. Kentucky (2,017) and North Carolina (2000) are the only other schools to win 2,000 games.
Big 12 Tournament: Quotables
“I think we should be in. We’re the only other (Big 12) team with a winning record.” — Texas Tech coach Pat Knight, on whether his 17-14 Red Raiders should be in the NIT.
“In high school, we were ‘the man’ and only cared about scoring. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t play defense in high school. I didn’t know anything about ball screens or how to defend them or hedging. But every day we’ve gotten better and we’re learning all the tools.” — OU freshman forward Tiny Gallon
“I think Willie’s out. I do. Hopefully, he comes back, but I think he’s out.” — Gallon, on whether teammate Willie Warren will return next season or declare for the NBA Draft
Big 12 Tournament: Struck by the Thunder
Not only is the Thunder the talk of the NBA this season, the team also has drawn attention in the Big 12 media circuit.
Several reporters covering the Big 12 Tournament have inquired about the Thunder this week. The most common opinion shared? “I love watching those guys play.”
Perhaps Big 12 media are lured because several Thunder players could still be in college — Kevin Durant (senior season at Texas); Russell Westbrook (senior season at UCLA): James Harden (junior season at Arizona State); and Byron Mullens (sophomore year at Ohio State).
