Mayo certainly believes the Jayhawks can make a deep run into March. “We believe that we have the most talented roster in the country,” Mayo said. “We have the best coaching staff in the country, so all it takes is just a belief from every guy down the line who’s involved in this program to go on a run here.

The Jayhawks' ball-security and offensive rebounds provided just enough extra possessions to hold off the Wildcats

When Arizona was 11-1 in the Big 12 and tied for first place after beating Texas Tech on Feb. 8, that hot start to its first season in conference was tempered by knowing the final stretch of league play was going to be a gauntlet.