No. 8 Kansas survived an upset bid from Texas on Saturday and pulled out a 69-64 victory at Allen Fieldhouse.
Texas (17-12, 6-10 Big 12) needed a victory to have a chance at avoiding a losing record in the Big 12. Only one team with a losing record in Big 12 conference play has made the NCAA Tournament — last season's Oklahoma State team.
MORE: Where is Texas in the latest Bubble Watch? | DECOURCY: Kentucky's undeserved criticism
Texas guard Isaiah Taylor led the Longhorns with 17 points, and Demarcus Holland added 15 points.
Taylor had a chance to win it late for the visitors. With just seconds left on the clock, he wildly drove the lane and appeared to be clipped, causing him to lose his footing and force a shot that was blocked.
No foul was called, and Kansas was able to close out the win from the line.
Kansas (23-6, 12-4), which held out freshman Cliff Alexander due to a NCAA issue, remains in the two-seed discussion with the win. Perry Ellis led the Jayhawks with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 15 points.
Texas had high expectations heading into the season as the Longhorns returned four starters and signed the nation's No. 2 recruit.
But Taylor has missed time with injury, and freshman phenom Myles Turner has taken more time to develop than anticipated. The Longhorns will now likely have to win the Big 12 Tournament in order to make the NCAA Tournament.
This victory gives Kansas at least 23 wins for the 26th consecutive season.