Well that turned out alright.

Agreed, Hairy...

That was a really important win last night. And as others have said, it wasn't pretty, but ISU certainly didn't roll over for us. Even when we got up by 11 midway through the 2nd half, I knew they'd make a run and make it interesting. Little did I know we'd miss so many front ends of 1-and-1s (DG, no less, on at least 2 occasions late), which made it more difficult than it had to be. But I'll take that win every single time. Self, the lover of "grinders," will too, no doubt.

Speaking of Self, for a guy who's been at KU for a rather long time now, he shows no signs of caring less or "mailing it in" as a coach in the long grind that is a college season. He was engaged and on fire (as he always is) from the jump last night. His energy and "want-to" was palpable, as was the staff's -- for some reason, just for me, a little more than normal. Or perhaps I was just looking to see the demeanor and energy there, given that our backs are to the wall on #14. The whole staff was deeply engaged.

I know the above is something many think should "just be" and should always be on display. But it just further underscores for me what a special head coach we have. He cares deeply, and no one in the game will ever be able to say they are MORE competitive than him.

Last comment, since these days I'm swamped with work beyond belief. I almost made time to come on here after the Baylor loss, but couldn't get the time. My message then, as it is today when at least a few of the dark clouds have drifted a little farther from where we stand, is simple:

During this incredible conference championships streak, there have been multiple seasons (and times therein) where things looked really bleak and daunting. This year is putting that reality to a new test, and it may be our toughest one yet, in as much as TT looks so darn consistent. But I won't underestimate Self's ability to get the most out of his guys, nor for the pride factor to kick in and further fuel the lads. They don't want to be "the ones who ended the streak" (especially in the year when the all-time record is on the line). I know, and agree with others on here, that this team has serious flaws and really, REALLY could've used that extra weapon that Preston would've provided (had things gone according to plan). The team is frustrating in that there is little to no depth and almost zero margin for error - which means that, if any one piece is off on a given night (Vick stands out the most in our losses), we can go from being a decent Top 20 team to being exceptionally mediocre. But until it's over, it ain't over, and we still have a shot. The boys just have to dig down deep and muster every spark of fire and fuel in their fiber, and execute to the utmost of their ability. Let's get this race to the point where it all comes down to the game at Lubbock. That's all we can hope for, and that game will be EPIC. Just hope we can get it to that point, and that the outcome turns in favor of the good guys in crimson and blue.

Rock Chalk, and keep the faith. (For now)

Yeah, I definitely agree. I was cringing every time a whistle blew late in the game last night, knowing Dok had 4 fouls and how the wheels could come off if he went out with us holding onto a perilous lead.

Of course, we both know that Dok being taken out is usually an issue of mental mistakes or bad luck (or both) with the fouls, while the issue of Vick being key has centered on his not "bringing it" for a big stretch of games. It was great to see him flying around last night, AND being effective. We simply HAVE to have that from here on or #14 will be very dicey. And that goes for the other 4 starters as well. Even if one or two is off with their shot, they have to bring all other facets of their game - and a boatload of energy - every night for this team to do well.