It was 20 years ago today (well, almost)...

[Mr. Neutral]

....that #6 seed Kansas began its semi-miracle run for the NCAA championship. Unfortunately, that run began with their 85-72 win over #11 seed Xavier. (This was brought up on Jerry Palm's blog by a poster.)

Kansas got a break in facing #14 Murray State in the 2nd round, which had shocked #3 NC State. The Jayhawks then beat Vandy, K-State, Duke and Oklahoma for the title.

That title run made Danny Manning a hot property in the NBA draft, but his career was hampered by recurring injuries.

[joetitan]

XU had Larkin, Kimbrough, Hill & Strong on that squad but remember Byron played very hurt with thigh bruise and was ineffective (oops starting to sound like...).

[muskieman]

Seemed liked we played a number of NCs and always had them on the ropes but they wore X out or just had that bit of luck in the end.

[Mr. Neutral]

I think the only times X lost to the eventual champ were in '88 (Kansas) and '89 (Michigan).

In the Kansas game, we were down 48-29 at the half, and lost by 13, so it doesn't look like we were ever in that one. KU outrebounded X 50-30.

In the Michigan game, we led at half 45-42, but were outscored 50-42 in the 2nd half for a 92-87 final. X had five guys in double figures. I remember reading afterwards that at least one of the Michigan players said that the Wolverines kept waiting for X to grab hold of the game, but we never did, unfortunately.

[muskieman]

I remember being in Atlanta and watching T Hill almost foul out every 6'9" player UM had but they just kept coming.

[bluegrass]

'88 was the year we played in Nebraska and Michael Davenport made some comments on selection sunday about Lincoln that got the Husker fans pissed off so they rooted for KU not that it had any effect on the game.Disappointing end to a great year.

[dabott]

Yeah it made the front page of the Lincoln newspaper that Xavier wasn't thrilled about playing in Siberia ie. Lincoln, Nebraska. Of course there was disappointment because Cincinnati was a first/second round site that year. I remember during an earlier game that day seeing Jim Valvano coaching which left an impression on me and I remember during that game when the Xavier cheerleaders walked in the entire crowd stood and booed loudly. It was nasty all night, they booed Xavier the whole game, even the cops were yelling nasty things at the Xavier team, cheerleaders, and fans. I know it didn't effect the outcome likely but it was a tough environment for a team from the MCC who was just developing their NCAA tournament experience...

[bluegrass]

I don't think they've hosted any tourney games since for good reason.

[kyzrex]

...."Sgt. pepper taught the band to play."