Mandatory Credit: John Rieger – USA TODAY Sports

The nearly unanimous No. 1 team in the country is just days away from taking the court at nearby Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri to try and back up there regular season Big 12 title, with a Big 12 conference tournament crown.

As the top seed in the 10-team field, the Jayhawks have a first round bye and will take on the winner of Kansas State and Oklahoma State.

Coming off a senior night victory over a pesky Iowa State over the weekend, Bill Self’s squad is now on an 11 game winning streak, currently the longest in the country and have shown that they are a legitimate title contender.

As it stands, Kansas is likely locked in for one of the top seeds in the NCAA tournament, but at least a Big 12 title appearance, win or lose, would possible ensure them the top overall seed.

The Big 12 has 6 teams ranked in the top 25 heading into the conference championship, and all 6 are capable of winning. Kansas would not have to face the likes of Oklahoma, Iowa State, or West Virginia until the championship game, which makes their road slightly less daunting. However, a win over K-State or Oklahoma State would result in a match up between the winner of Texas and Baylor.

The Bears play a difficult zone defense, and offensively have been much better of late. Kansas recently defeated Baylor on the road and have had success against Scott Drew and the Bears over the years.

As for Texas, the Jayhawks defeated the Longhorns a little more than a week ago by a whopping 30 points in Austin. Kansas looked as good as it has at any point this season and shot close to 70-percent for the game.

Shaka Smart is hoping to get center Cameron Ridley back from injury for the Big 12 championship, but whether or not he will be able to make an immediate impact after not having played in several months is tough to say.

For Kansas, keeping the momentum going, especially on the defensive end of the floor, is the key to their postseason success.

Earlier this season the Jayhawks hit a lull in their play, resulting in three road losses in a row and a 5-3 start in conference play. Since then, they’ve been extraordinary. Not only have the Jayhawks figured out their rotation and roles, as well as winning however they need to from game to game, but a different player has shown the ability to step up and take over a game each and every night.

Some may say it can hurt Kansas to not have the same core of players leading the way each night, but the counter argument is KU’s depth and firepower being put on display–something not many teams have.

Senior Perry Ellis is the most consistent scorer for Bill Self, but lately, guards Devonte’ Graham and Frank Mason III have been very good on both ends of the floor.

Wayne Selden, Jr., is always capable of going off for 20 points, and reserves Brannen Greene and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk can shoot it as well as anyone from beyond the arc.

Despite the NCAA tournament looming, KU is focused on a conference championship this week and securing their resume in the eyes of the committee for the top overall seed.

Looking for tickets to see your Kansas Jayhawks take the court this week? Visit Tickets For Less to purchase your seats inside the beautiful Sprint Center to cheer on Bill Self and Co., as they try to bring another Big 12 tourney championship back to Lawrence. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get on all ticket purchases. Don’t miss out on all the fun at the Power & Light District before and after the big game. Get your seats today and Rock Chalk!