Look, we know that Kansas may have National Championship rings that are still in the box. They’re just two seasons removed from the miraculous comeback against Memphis.
Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich and the Henry brothers are really good. Bill Self has taken every team he’s ever coached to excellence.
But how do you look the Orange in the eye and tell it someone else is the best team in the country?
SU did what it always does,thumping a conference opponent when critics thought it may struggle.
No. 3 Syracuse used a 16-3 run in the second half to wipe out a six-point University of Cincinnati advantage and post a 71-54 victory over the Bearcats.
When it mattered most, the Orange went on a 28-5 binge in the final 12:25. By the end of it, Syracuse fans chanting “Let’s go Orange” at Fifth Third Arena.
(This has got to be one of the more satisfying line we’ve written this season. Orange Nation gloating after another drubbing in freaking Southern Ohio at some ridiculously-named gym. Has this been fun or what?)
Kansas will be #1 yet again, and with Villanova’s loss Syracuse will climb to #2. Not bad. And the pressure of being best in the nation might swell the heads of this humble SU squad.
But KU has played only four ranked teams and lost to one of them. They play in a top-heavy Big 12, and were taken into overtime against #11 Kansas State.
Go ahead, put Kansas #1. But you go tell the Orange, it’s not the best team in the nation right now. Because I’m not sure it’s true.
