Thrilling Comeback Propels No. 4 Kansas Over No. 3 Missouri in OT

by David Cassilo / @dcassilo

The last Big 12 regular season game between No. 3 Missouri and No. 4 Kansas was one to remember as the Jayhawks rallied from 19 points down in the second half to defeat the Tigers in overtime, 87-86. The win guarantees Kansas at least a share of the Big 12 title.

In what was one of the best college games of the season, Player of the Year candidate Thomas Robinson converted a three-point play with 16 seconds left in regulation to tie the game. The junior forward then blocked the shot of Missouri’s Phil Pressey to send the game to overtime.

A back-and-forth extra session appeared to be ending in Missouri favor when senior guard Marcus Denmon nailed a jumper with 12 seconds left to put the Tigers up 86-85. But Kansas answered right back as senior guard Tyshawn Taylor took the inbounds pass, raced coast-to-coast and got fouled on a drive to the basket. He sank both free throws to give the Jayhawks the lead. Missouri did not get a shot off on its final possession.

For Kansas, it was a win worth cherishing a little more than others.

From The Kansas City Star:

“I can’t even put it into words, man,” said forward Thomas Robinson, who finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds and made the biggest plays on both ends of the floor to extend the game. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be part of something as big as this game was.”

The Jayhawks now have to beat either Oklahoma State or Texas to win the outright Big 12 title. It will be their 12th in the 16 year history of the league.