Kansas looks for new rival with MU gone

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Big 12 conference looks different this year, and that's changing the March Madness experience for fans.

Now that Mizzou has left the conference, fans of the league leader Kansas are looking for a new bitter rival.

If Kansas/Mizzou was considered the big rivalry during the Big 12 tournament, more and more fans say K-State is quickly taking MU's place.

More wins in K-State's column will not only create a great dual, but fans hope the wins will behoove K-State this year in landing as spot near home at the Sprint Center for the NCAA tournament.

Sports writers believe Kansas has already secured a Sprint Center spot.

Kansas City Star sports columnist Blair Kerkhoff said he believes both universities need more wins in both basketball and football to build a bigger rivalry.

"Kansas never loses in basketball, K-State never loses in football so until KU football and K-State basketball can have the success then I think it becomes a big rivalry," Kerkhoff said.

Kansas City hosts the second and third rounds of the NCAA tournament next week.

Round three winners head to the Sweet 16.