Texas Tech served notice about its Big 12 contender status last season with an eye-opening, 12-point win at Allen Fieldhouse.
On the eve of another visit to Kansas, Tech coach Chris Beard still believes the road to any Big 12 title runs through Lawrence -- no matter the parity in the league this season. Tech (17-4, 5-3 Big 12) and Kansas (16-5, 5-3) are among five teams within two games of first place (Kansas State and Baylor in a tie) nearing the halfway mark.
"In my opinion absolutely yes," Beard said. "Until somebody else can win that fight, Kansas is the returning champion.