As we edge closer to Selection Sunday, the Kansas Jayhawks find themselves in a bit of a conundrum regarding their NCAA Tournament seeding. The Big 12 Tournament is in full swing, and with other conference tournaments unfolding, the Jayhawks' path remains uncertain.
Kansas has been a force at home, boasting a 13-2 record at Allen Fieldhouse, where they've toppled top-ranked teams like No. 2, 13, 5, and 1. However, their performance on the road tells a different story.
The Jayhawks' seeding might hinge on their road record
Recently, CBS Sports analysts David Cobb, Isaac Trotter, and Matt Norlander tackled the seeding debate, particularly how the Vanderbilt Commodores could impact Kansas' position from a potential four to a five seed.
Jacob Fetner, a leading Bracketology modeler, highlighted the importance of road wins, quoting Clark Kellogg's emphasis on their value. Vanderbilt's impressive 8-4 road record and 3-0 in neutral games stand in contrast to Kansas' 5-6 on the road and 4-1 in neutral venues.
Kansas has stumbled away from home with losses to unranked teams like UCF, West Virginia, and Arizona State, while also facing defeats against ranked opponents such as No. 5 Iowa State and No.
25 UNC. Despite a solid win at No.
13 Texas Tech, their away form has room for improvement.
"Kansas won't be playing at Phog Allen for the rest of the season. Vanderbilt's ability to win in tough environments, like their recent victory over Tennessee, gives them an edge. Kansas needs to prove they can do the same," Fetner noted.
Now's the moment for Kansas to make their case
As the No. 3 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, Kansas is set to face either No. 14 Oklahoma State, No.
11 Colorado, or No. 6 TCU.
The Cowboys and the Buffaloes will clash on Tuesday night, with the winner moving on to meet the Horned Frogs on Wednesday.
The Jayhawks' comeback win after being 16 points down showcased their resilience, but they'll need to carry that momentum forward to solidify their standing with the selection committee.