The KU men's basketball ended their post-season run a week ago in a disheartening loss to Michigan State. Although not nearly as exciting as the possibility of winning another NCAA championship, the KU women had quite a post-season run in which they landed in the finals of the Women's NIT (National Invitation Tournament). Unlike the NCAA championship that has a set location for the finals, the championship NIT game is held at one of the schools that is vying for the title. For the first time in history, Allen Fieldhouse hosted a championship game. The record setting crown of 16,131 fans- both a KU Women's and Big 12 Women's Basketball attendance record- cheered on the Lady Jays in hopes of clinching at least one KU basketball post-season title.
Spirits were high. The crowd was excited. The band tooted their horns and the cheerleaders yelled and screamed. Big and Baby Jay danced and cheered. At moments, a victory seemed so close. And at other moments, and when the buzzer rang, victory once again slipped through our fingers.
The Lady Jays had quite a season and, just like the men's team, exceeded most expectations. Hopefully this trip to the not-so-big dance will rase the expectations and excitement surrounding the Lady Jays for years to come.
