Mandatory Credit: Rich Sugg – KC Star

The matchup fans were hoping for is set, as Kansas will get game three against Kansas State this weekend.

The Wildcats defeated Oklahoma State on Wednesday night for the right to face the Jayhawks, and at 1:30 on Thursday, the two will face off once again.

Kansas is coming in as the No. 1 seed and the No. 1 team in the country. The Jayhawks have won 11 straight games and looking as primed as any team in the country for a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Bill Self has downplayed the significance of the Big 12 tournament leading up to Thursday’s opener for his team.

Whether that’s because winning another three games in a row to make it 14 in a row is obviously difficult and he is tempering expectations, or he is trying to take pressure of his team prior to the main event beginning next week in the NCAA tournament, no one really knows, but the Jayhawks have a relatively easy path to the Big 12’s title game on Saturday.

With the way seeding worked out, KU wouldn’t have to face West Virginia, Oklahoma, or Iowa State until Saturday. Among the contenders in the conference, those three teams gave KU the biggest problems.

If KU were to win on Thursday over K-State, they would face either Texas or Baylor. Self’s team recently defeated Baylor and Texas on the road, and trounced the Longhorns by 30 in that victory.

One would think at least a trip to the semifinals on Friday would all but guarantee Kansas one of the four top seeds in the NCAA tournament, but at least an appearance in Saturday’s championship, win or lose, would likely seal the deal for the top overall seed in the NCAA’s.

Thursday’s game against K-State is up first, however, and the Jayhawks will be focused and ready to go. The Wildcats are a solid defensive team and will pressure Kansas on the offensive end. How guards Devonte’ Graham and Frank Mason III handle the ball and conduct the offensive will determine whether the Jayhawks control the pace of the game or allow KSU to keep it close.

Kansas has played its best defense of the year over the past month, and with K-State struggling to score on the offensive end, it wouldn’t be surprising to see KU come out and make a definitive statement.

Tickets For Less has a variety of seats available for Thursday’s session at the beautiful downtown Sprint Center. With Kansas ready to take the floor, the crowd is sure to be fired up. Don’t miss your chance to see the top seeded Jayhawks take on rival Kansas State. Tickets For Less has your seats ready for purchase today. Rock Chalk!