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Kansas, Missouri in same pod, but don’t expect fraternizing

spt-120311-kuMU

Mike Miller

If Kansas and Missouri do meet for a third time this season, it’ll have to wait for the NCAA Championship game. The Jayhawks (27-6) and Tigers (30-4) are both 2 seeds, but on opposite sides of the bracket.

Still, they won’t be able to avoid each other for the first week.

Both are playing in the Omaha, Neb., pod on Friday. Missouri faces Norfolk State at 4:40 p.m. ET, while the Jayhawks tip off roughly five hours later against Detroit.

Just don’t expect much palling around.

They’re from the same conference, but with Missouri headed to the SEC next season and a rivalry that began in 1907 slated to end, Kansas coach Bill Self is in no mood for fraternizing.

“If you remember us in ’08, us and K-State were up there together. That’s one time our league really kind of bonded, and we cheered together,” Self told the AP. “Can’t really see that happening. Two different leagues now, I guess.

“I’m sure they’re looking forward to sharing a venue with us.”

The true test will be if Missouri sticks around Friday night to watch the Jayhawks play Detroit, one of the tournament’s underseeded teams in terms of talent. Root for a 15 over 2 upset?

Now that would be a parting shot.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.