Kansas falls to VCU; last No. 1 seed ousted

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - So long, Kansas. Just like all the other No. 1 seeds, the Jayhawks aren't going to the Final Four.

Staring down what would've been the easiest path ever to a national championship, coach Bill Self's deep, talented squad stumbled in the finals of the Southwest Region on Sunday, losing 71-61 to 11th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth.

Tested for the first time in the NCAA tournament, Kansas couldn't find enough answers. The Jayhawks trimmed a 16-point deficit to two midway through the second half, but the plucky Rams pulled away again.

Unable to make a final push, Kansas players walked off the court blank-faced, arms on hips, occasionally peeking at the wild celebration around them. Marcus Morris tried holding off the tears, but had to pull up his jersey over his face when they started to fall at the edge of the court.