Is the reign in the Big 12 finally over?

Could this be real? Could it finally be happening? Will Kansas finally not be able to claim a Big 12 regular season championship? Please Kansas State. We are begging you to end this reign of terror Monday night in Allen Fieldhouse. Being regular season champions or co-champions of 14 straight years, it is time Kansas finally does not have any share of the Big 12 title.

While Kansas State has been amazing in conference this year, this possible end to the streak also has happened because this has not been the same Kansas team we are used to seeing. They have already lost five in the Big 12 this year. That ties the most losses Kansas has suffered in the conference during the Bill Self era.

All five Big 12 losses have been on the road by an average margin of 14.4 points. Outside of the conference, a road loss to a not so good Arizona State proves that Kansas has really struggled outside of Allen Fieldhouse.

Their third leading scorer Lagerald Vick leaving the team and junior center Udoka Azubuike being out for the entire year has made it difficult on the Jayhawks. Kansas’ offense has missed these two players who averaged 21.9 points a game last year. The defense has been terrible in conference play letting opponents score 71.3 points per game. That is bad enough to rank them seventh in the Big 12.

While Kansas has had a down year, Kansas State has really played well in conference this year. Starting 0-2 in the Big 12, they have won eleven out of their last twelve. Wins against four ranked teams in conference including two back to back wins in Lubbock and Ames, Kansas State is on fire.

The Wildcats’ defense is the reason for their success holding Big 12 opponents to sixty a game, best in the conference. Causing fourteen turnovers a game and only allowing sixteen free throw attempts a game, Kansas State relies heavily on their defense. The offense ranks in the bottom half in most categories offensively, but the defense may lead them to an outright Big 12 regular season championship.

As for the game on Monday, Kansas State has not won in Lawrence since 2006. Not only that, the Wildcats are trying to sweep Kansas for the first time since 1983. Kansas has dominated Kansas State in the Bill Self era with thirty three wins and only six losses. Yes, Kansas State won in Manhattan this year, keeping Kansas to 67 points, but Lawrence is a different animal. Kansas is going to be playing to keep the championship streak alive. If Kansas State can slow the game down, keep the score low, and have the crowd be a non factor, they have a good chance to win tonight.

It is time for a change in Big 12 basketball. The world needs somebody not named Kansas to be regular season champion. Kansas could go win the tournament, but their streak of nearly a decade and a half of domination in the conference could possible come to a pause, or even a halt. Please Kansas State, find a way to win in Allen Fieldhouse for the first time since 2006. Go win the Big 12 regular season title tonight.