Kansas Crushes UCF 56-35
The Kansas Jayhawks delivered a defensive masterclass in the Big 12 Tournament, holding UCF to just 35 points in a 56-35 victory. Kansas' stifling defense forced 20 turnovers and limited UCF to under 30% shooting from the field. UC Irvine also advanced, crushing Cal Poly 86-54 in the Big West Tournament semifinals.
The 35 points scored by UCF were the fewest ever allowed in a Big 12 Tournament game. The previous record was 36, set in a 2022 matchup between Baylor and Oklahoma State. Kansas dominated on the boards, outrebounding UCF 48-27. Freshman Jaliya Davis was a key player for the Jayhawks, securing a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. However, the victory was short-lived as Kansas was eliminated in the next round by sixth-seeded Colorado in a 55-48 loss. The loss to Colorado dropped the Jayhawks' season record to 19-13. Their postseason fate now rests with the NCAA Tournament selection committee, with experts considering them a bubble team for making the tournament. In the Big West Tournament, UC Irvine's dominant win over Cal Poly was powered by a massive 41-point game from Hunter Hernandez. The Anteaters, holding a 25-5 record, advanced to face UC Davis next.
