Unranked Creighton shocks No. 1 Kansas as Pop Isaacs dominates
- Kansas experienced back-to-back losses against unranked teams, starting with Creighton and followed by Missouri.
- Turnovers have significantly impacted Kansas' performance, contributing to their defeats in both games.
- Missouri celebrated its victory over Kansas, marking a significant milestone for the program.
In a notable string of events, the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team faced a series of setbacks during early December 2024. On December 4, unranked Creighton managed to defeat the top-ranked Jayhawks 76-63 in a tense match where Kansas could not find its offensive rhythm. Pop Isaacs was the standout player for Creighton, scoring 27 points and leading his team to victory. Kansas struggled with 22 total turnovers, a critical factor contributing to their loss. They found themselves in another difficult position just days later on December 8, when they faced Missouri. The Tigers, spurred on by a home crowd, took on Kansas and ultimately overcame them with a score of 76-67. Tamar Bates led the Tigers with an impressive 29-point performance, helping Missouri secure its first victory over Kansas since February 2012. This loss came after Kansas had previously dropped the game to Creighton, marking a second consecutive defeat on the road. Missouri surged ahead in the second half despite Kansas attempting to mount a comeback, highlighting both teams' fierce competitive spirit and Kansas's ongoing struggles with turnovers. Coach Dennis Gates of Missouri encouraged fans to rush the court, celebrating the important win with his players. This victory lifted Missouri's record to 8-1 while dropping Kansas to 7-2, a reminder of the volatility and unpredictability present in college basketball competition. As both teams look ahead, Kansas is set to host NC State, while Missouri will face Long Island, with the hope of regaining their respective momentum in the upcoming games.