In Year 12, the Big 12 still lacks a men’s title

SAN ANTONIO — There is a lonely space in the Big 12 Conference trophy case.

In its 12th season, the Big 12 has national titles in football, women’s basketball and a bunch of other sports. But despite having the most Final Four teams of any league during the past six seasons, a Big 12 men’s basketball team has yet to have its one shining moment.

Kansas will try to change that tonight when it faces Memphis.

“[A national championship] is something I think that would help legitimize how excellent the play is in our league,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I think nationally, in order to really garner the respect that a league deserves, I think you’ve got to cut down nets.

“Certainly, this is a great opportunity for [Kansas], but it’s also good for our league.”

Since 2002, the Big 12 has placed six teams in the Final Four; the Atlantic Coast Conference is second, with five. The closest the Big 12 has come to a title was in 2003 when Kansas lost in the championship game to Syracuse, 81-78.

“It would be tremendous for the Big 12,” conference commissioner Dan Beebe said Sunday. “We’ve had such success in all the other sports. A men’s basketball title would in some ways be the last piece to the puzzle.”

Rose wilted?

Memphis freshman guard Derrick Rose briefly appeared for Sunday’s interview session, but then he left the podium, saying he suffered an upset stomach.

Rose had 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s Final Four semifinal victory over UCLA.

According to the Memphis coaching staff, Rose will play tonight against Kansas.

Briefly

The championship game can be dubbed “The Battle of Las Colinas.” The conferences that Kansas and Memphis represent, the Big 12 and Conference USA, are in offices about 11/2 miles apart on Texas 114, just west of Texas Stadium.

Kansas won its last national championship in 1988. UCLA (in 1995) and Kentucky (1978, 1998) also have won championships to commemorate the 20th anniversary of previous titles.

ESPN’s Dick Vitale was at church Sunday morning when he felt a tap on his shoulder. “Please, please, pick Kansas to beat Memphis,” the voice said. Memphis coach John Calipari was making the request. “I picked Texas to beat Memphis, I picked UCLA to beat Memphis,” Vitale said.

Memphis guard Chris Douglas-Roberts was asked if the semifinal blowouts indicated that Kansas and Memphis were the two best teams. “That’s what it looks like,” he said. “It’s going to be fun for both teams and a great game to watch. We feel the half-court game is boring. You guys do, too.”