Updated

Sixth-ranked Kansas begins pursuit of its ninth consecutive Big 12 championship when it opens conference play against Iowa State on Wednesday night.

The last time the Jayhawks failed to finish first in the league was in 2005, when Oklahoma won the title. Otherwise, they've won six outright championships and twice shared the title with Texas during a run of domination that is virtually unmatched.

Among the other schools who can lay claim to such a streak: John Wooden's UCLA teams that won 13 straight titles, and Gonzaga, which won 11 in a row before finishing second last season.

Kansas coach Bill Self called it "a responsibility" for the current team to keep the streak intact. The Jayhawks enter conference play having won 11 straight games.