Groundhog day in Lawrence, Tech undone

Another game against Kansas, another loss, another blowout.

And yet, somehow, the fans are expected to be patient and positive.

Right.

The game plan of play no defense (Jayhawks struggle to shoot only 55 percent), show unbalanced scoring (two players in double figures) and show yourself as sloppy (30 turnovers and poor free-throw conversion rate) and undisciplined is a rare approach. But hey, at least it's effective.

97-74 KU.

In this line over here, the apologists. In that line, the realists.

Allowing Ricardo Patton to continue teaching poor habits is not, as it has been written here before, harmless. All it does is make the next boss' job more difficult.

Go find someone grounded in fundamentals, yet has the ability to relate to the players, and make it clear, this is but an interim job until the end of the season. The pay ain't much and the glamor, well, there isn't any, but its' an experience and it's a worthy undertaking. Make a difference and rescue the athletes. Make it the athletic version of some sappy, predictable, but uplifiting Hollywood movie about an impossible situation turning around.

The money can be found. It wouldn't cost much. You don't need a big name. If you insist you don't have a dime, then beg Ceal Barry, or extort her if you have to, to take the job. That, if nothing else, would ensure fundamentals and get this, positive publicity to a school bone dry in it.

This Patton farewell chemistry experiment is on the verge of blowing up. The fans deserve better, the players do too.

No one is benefitting from this charade.

More Truth: Richard Roby (pictured) busted out for 30 against the Jayhawks, showing his demise was greatly exaggerated. Jeremy Williams is going to be a player, as he finished with 11. The Jayhawks got 54 points from its' backcourt on 21-of-36 shooting, thanks to Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Russell Robinson.

Around the Conference: Sixth-ranked Texas A & M had to sweat out a 70-61 home victory over the hombres down Norman way, as OU gave the Aggies a workout. That the Sooners were even in this game shooting 34 percent from the floor is amazing. Billy Gillispie's boys know defense and play it. CU, well, defense is for sissies. Antanas Kavaliauskas and Acie Law combined for 40 points in the win while forward Nate Carter keeps ballin' at a high level for OU, scoring 19.

No. 13 Oklahoma State unplugged the Iowa State offense in a 62-50 win in Stillwater. Terrel Harris, the Cowboys' third scoring option, went for 21 points while the top two options, Mario Boggan and JamesOn Curry combined for 31 more. Mike Taylor had 13 for the Cyclones. OSU has weaknesses but it is still one of the best teams in the Big 12. ISU is still a wannabe.

Busted. Why didn't I see it coming -- Texas Tech, fresh off of two upsets, overconfident, fat on themselves, going to Columbia -- and I still picked them to beat Missouri. Fool. The Tigers sent the Red Raiders back home a loser, 71-58. Guard Stefhon Hannah led three Tigers in double figures with 15 points while Martin Zeno had 14 in the loss. The skinny -- Tech is and will be dangerous but they got lazy today and paid the price. Missouri got one on their home court. That's all you can say about them for now.

Texas took Baylor lightly, no matter what it says, and had to work harder than anticipated to beat the Bears off, 84-79. Kevin Durant, a once-in-generation player for UT, scored 34, getting 22 points of support from A.J. Abrams and 11 assists from maestro D.J. Augustin. Aaron Bruce and Curtis Jerrells combined for 43 points in the Baylor backcourt, doing what they haven't been doing during a four-game losing streak. The Longhorns aren't Big-12 title worthy but they are going to end up in the NCAA's. The Bears are just gaining experience for next season.

Kansas State shoots but 33 percent from the floor but wins its' fifth-straight game, beating Nebraska, 61-45. Bob Huggins is starting to get his message across and the Wildcats are benefitting from it. Clent Stewart led three players in double figures with 14 in the victory. Alexs Maric was the only Husker to reach 10 points. K-State is going to a postseason tournament. Nebraska just doesn't yet have enough pieces.

Sunday Night Truth is coming your way -- a big buffet of football and basketball, from CU to the Big 12 to nationally. All set to go. Check it out.