Kansas Jayhawk News and Notes: Groundhog Day Edition

Important News First

Handlers: Punxsutawney Phil predicts longer winter - KansasCity.com
The handlers for groundhog Punxsutawney Phil say he's forecasting six more weeks of what already has felt like a brutally long and cold winter. CRAP.

The Aftermath

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Texas Longhorns Recap - CBSSports.com
Texas put together one of its most impressive wins in years. The Longhorns outshot and outrebounded the Jayhawks, had 12 blocks, and once they built a double-digit lead, never left Kansas an opening to rally. ''I thought our big guys played pretty soft. We didn't do a good job attacking the rim like we should,'' Kansas coach Bill Self said. ''Their speed offset our length.''

KU basketball overwhelmed by No. 25 Texas in 81-69 road loss | CJOnline.com
It’s starting to become a pattern. Kansas’ potent offense has a Kryptonite, and it looks an awful lot like a team blessed with skilled shot-blockers and rim-protectors.

Unbeaten no more: Texas hands Kansas first Big 12 loss | KUsports.com
The (16-5, 7-1) Jayhawks — who had raced to a 7-0 start and were threatening to leave nine schools in their wake while storming toward a 10th consecutive crown — now hold just a one-game lead on the (17-4, 6-2) Longhorns and two-game margin on Oklahoma heading into Tuesday’s game at Baylor.

Wiggins has quiet day on offense for KU - KansasCity.com
After averaging 28 points in his last two games, Wiggins was a non-factor against Texas.

Texas beats lifeless KU 81-69 - KansasCity.com
For the third straight season, Kansas had started 7-0 in Big 12 play … and then fallen flat. For the first time in nearly a month, the Jayhawks were exposed, looking tired and slow for stretches against a bouncy and active Texas squad.

Column: Longhorns now in hunt for Big 12 title | KUsports.com
Just to be clear, Keegan doesn't count as proof. In fact, agreeing with him generally makes me reconsider my position.

Other Stuff

Big football game today, who you got?  What beer are you drinking?  What food are you eating?

Royals’ Mike Moustakas has a new look for 2014 - KansasCity.com
Mike Moustakas’ off-season makeover included shedding about 10 pounds, a new coiffure — short on the sides — and a wedding, to Stephanie. Last year, his numbers dropped to 12 homers and a .233 average, nine points lower than the previous season, and Moustakas vowed to make changes.  Best Shape of His Life.

West Virginia beats Kansas State 81-71 - KansasCity.com
“It’s Groundhog Day for us,” K-State coach Bruce Weber said. “We keep repeating the same actions on the road. We didn’t play very well in the first half, and we battled in the second half to give ourselves a chance. … Then they took them away. We turned it over down the stretch, and we missed free throws.”