NCAA College Basketball: Monday, January 23, 2023

We’re just about 20 games into the NCAA men’s basketball season and like the saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same. Just look at the top 10 AP teams as of this week:

AP NCAA Men's Basketball Top 5 Rankings

Wait, what? Alabama playing better basketball across the country than their football program does? Kansas State sneaking in, despite their questionable uniform colorways?

The field is wide open for March, so does basketball play in January matter? We’re just about 2 months away from tournament games, so these games played this week absolutely will help or hurt each team’s chances at getting a bid. One game tonight in particular stand out:

Tonight’s game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Baylor Bearcats is sure to be an exciting one. Both teams are ranked highly in the NCAA and have shown impressive performances this season. The Jayhawks are looking to extend their win streak, while the Bearcats will be hoping to break their recent losing skid. With 2 of the top teams in the Big-12 facing off, it promises to be an action-packed match.

The Jayhawks have been on a roll as of late, with a 7-1 record throughout their last eight games. Kansas has received strong contributions from its core players, including Jalen Wilson, who leads in scoring with 16 points per game. Their defense has been imposing as well, led by center David McCormack who averages 8 rebounds per game.

The Baylor Bearcats will come into tonight’s match with plenty of motivation after losing three straight games. Despite their losses they remain a formidable force in college basketball and are backed by standout senior guard Jared Butler who is averaging 19 points per game this season along with 5 assists per outing. The Bearcats also boast two 7 footers in Flo Thamba and Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua that give them a significant edge inside the paint.

With both teams coming out with something to prove tonight’s matchup promises to be fast paced and thrilling for fans everywhere. It’ll take elite level production from both sides if they want to secure a victory so we can expect some very entertaining basketball today between these Big-12 giants.