The Kansas Jayhawks could be in store for another boom-or-bust March.
On Saturday, the Associated Press No. 8 team in the country suffered a stunning 16-point home loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats (15-12, 7-7 in Big 12), 84-68, the program’s largest against an unranked opponent in 53 years. The defeat came hours after Kansas was named a preliminary 3-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
As with their other recent tourney appearances, Saturday showed that, as talented as the Jayhawks are, they could easily see another early exit this March.
No. 8 Kansas on shaky ground after stunning home loss to Cincinnati
Over the past six NCAA Tournaments dating back to the 2018-19 season, Kansas has lost in the first weekend five times, including a first-round exit a season ago, while winning the fourth national title in program history during its 2022 appearance.
That either/or scenario could easily play itself out again next month. Per college basketball analytics expert Evan Miyakawa, the Jayhawks rank ninth in win quality, while Saturday’s loss should knock them down to 30th in loss quality, a sign they’re more likely to play up or down to the level of their competition than other championship contenders.