It is getting lonely at the top for the Memphis Tigers as previously ranked #2 and unbeaten Kansas Jayhawks were upset by #24 Kansas State Wildcats last night 84-75. The Jayhawks went into a game with a 20-1 record and the argument that they should be in the top spot.
The Wildcats (15-4) have not been able to beat the Jayhawks (20-1) on their own home court for the past 24 years, but this year was different because they were led by projected #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft Michael Beasley. Beasley, a freshman forward, scored 25 points to lead all players. “I know it means a lot around the city, people at the school,” said Beasley after the game. “But it’s just a game to me.” I would think the fans who stormed the court might think a bit differently.
The Wildcats, beyond Beasley’s 25, got help from Bill Walker who scored 22 and Jacob Pullen who scored 20. The Jayhawks were led by Darrell Arthur who scored 12 and Brandon Rush who put up 15.
Beasley, who is 6-9 and 235, is leading the nation in rebounding (12.4 rebounds per game) and is ranked 4th nationally in scoring (25.3 points per game). Beasley is definitely a player of the year candidate after this game, however he needs to get his teams some big wins in the coming weeks.