Posted by Kusarge February 16, 2009 at 9:24 a.m.

Kansas 85, Kansas State 74

• Cole Aldrich finally looked dominant WHEN THE TEAM NEEDED HIM TO BE. This wasn't taking it to an undermanned team in the first month of the season; it was against a decent opponent, a natural rival, on the road in a hostile environment. Does everyone else think the new mask helped his performance?- Appleton and Releford getting minutes and having solid performance. Any thoughts on HCBS going deeper on the bench than he normally would?- Did anyone else notice that we face-guarded Pullen and Clemente for most of the second half, rather than focusing on our usual team-oriented defense? It frustrated the lights-out shooters on their home court (where they are deadly). Speaking of which: Clemente uses his "flying elbow" move to create space; what a dumb move to do that to Morningstar post-play and right in front of the referee. No doubt, a "T" was in order.- Something has got to be done about the refs looking at elbow fouls and retroactively calling flagrant fouls, kicking players out, etc. The Syracuse-Georgetown game on Saturday was a prime example.- Wow, did someone have a "Come to Jesus" talk with Marcus Morris after last Monday's debacle? He played his tail off. Perhaps a glimpse at this "potential" we, as fans, keep referring to every time he makes a bonehead play.- Texas v. A&M tonight just doesn't have the marquee feel that it did before conference play began, does it?- I am interested in anyone's predictions for the final 6 games of the season. 6-0 gets us no less than a share of the Big XII title. 5-1 will put us second. 4-2, tied for second or third. My feeling is this: HCBS loves the position his team is in, controlling their finish. Although, I really feel something needs to be done about Collins' tendency to do too much and play uncontrollable at times. I suppose that comes with the territory of such a young team. Any thoughts?ROCK CHALK!