Bill Self and Kansas are poised to exit the top 10 rankings following back-to-back defeats, marking their first such slide this season.

Their recent loss to Baylor, coupled with another defeat earlier, likely seals this fate.

Despite this setback, Coach Self remains measured in his assessment, acknowledging positive aspects amidst the disappointment. Kansas, now with seven conference losses, faced a critical moment in the second half against Baylor, a team boasting similar postseason credentials. Despite strong individual performances, notably from Kevin McCullar Jr., the Jayhawks fell short during a crucial stretch. Self’s post-game message emphasized the heightened stakes of March, urging his team to refocus and prepare for upcoming challenges.

With pivotal games ahead, including a home clash against Kansas State and a season-ending fixture against top-ranked Houston, Kansas aims to maintain its impressive conference record streak.

This defeat marks a notable shift for Kansas, ending a streak of top-10 appearances dating back to their championship-winning season in 2021-22.