BIG Monday: Kansas, Oklahoma should enter showdown as top 2 teams in country

By Gary Bedore Jan 2, 2016

Nick Krug

Kansas forward Hunter Mickelson (42) and the Jayhawk bench celebrate a three by Lagerald Vick during the second half, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas University’s 102-74 rout of Baylor and Oklahoma’s 87-83 home victory over Iowa State on Saturday combined to set up a really big, ESPN Big Monday showdown between the Jayhawks and Sooners.

“I think it’s more than that,” KU coach Bill Self said of an 8 p.m., meeting between what almost certainly will become the Nos. 1- and 2-ranked teams in the country.

KU figures to move up from No. 2 to 1 in the AP poll and Oklahoma from No. 3 to 2, following Michigan State’s loss to Iowa.

“I think it’ll be 1 vs. 1,” Self added. “If Oklahoma wins (which the Sooners did) they’ll be No. 1 in the coaches poll (USA Today) and we’ll be 1 in AP. It doesn’t happen often when 1 plays 1,” Self added, smiling.

This will mark the second time in history KU has played as the No. 1-ranked team vs. No. 2. The top-ranked Jayhawks fell to No. 2 Missouri, 77-71, on Feb. 13, 1990 in Allen.

“This sets up a pretty fun night on Monday,” Self stated.

KU on Saturday night indicated there has been at least one No. 1 vs. 1 game. A Feb. 25, 2007 contest matched No. 1 Wisconsin (AP) vs. No. 1 Ohio State (coaches). The last time 1 faced 2 was Nov. 12, 2013 when No. 2 Michigan State beat No. 1 Kentucky, 78-74.

— See what people were saying about the game during KUsports.com’s live coverage