© Scott Sewell-Imagn Images / © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Kansas Jayhawks took down rival Kansas State in Big 12 basketball action over the weekend. Things got awkward after the fact.
Jerome Tang bumped Melvin Council during postgame handshakes. It came moments after the Kansas guard mocked the head coach on the court.
The Jayhawks travelled to Manhattan on Saturday in what was expected to be tightly contested rivalry matchup. It got out of hand after the first 20 minutes of play.
Kansas took a 37-35 lead into the halftime break. They erupted for 49 second half points to pull away.
At the eight-minute mark, the Wildcats cut the advantage to 59-55. From then on, they were outscored 27-7.
Melvin Council mocked Jerome Tang.
Tre White dunk at end of game and Melvin Council doing wabash at half court 😂 #kubball pic.twitter.com/PTf5lW7Qfb
— Jayhawk Edits (@EditsJayhawk) January 25, 2026
As the final seconds ticked from the clock, Council picked the pocket of a Kansas State ball handler. A teammate secured the loose ball for a steal and easy dunk.
The jam put an exclamation point on the victory. Council celebrated on the court by mocking a K-State tradition.
Wabash Cannonball is the unofficial fight song of the Wildcats. It dates back to 1968.
At Kansas State athletic events, the song is heard being played by the band. Fans (and coaches) move back and forth to the sound of the music.
Jerome Tang often celebrates wins in the stands with the students.
Head coach Jerome Tang joined the stands after @KStateMBB‘s win over Utah 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/lPBJcL97uZ
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) January 21, 2026
Melvin Council is new to Kansas basketball. He transferred in from St. Bonaventure this past offseason. He is still fully aware of Wabash Cannonball.
Tang appeared to take some offense to the celebration. He stopped Council during the handshake line.
It was awkward.
Can we get a reporter to ask why Tang shoved Melvin Council? @GaryBedore @JayhawkSlant pic.twitter.com/59m7yYwWgV
— JD (@JD_RCJH) January 25, 2026
It is unclear what might’ve been said. Council was not a fan, though the moment didn’t escalate to pushing and shoving.
Tang was asked about the celebration in his postgame press conference. “It really, really sucks to seem them do it,” he said.
“You never wanna see anybody celebrate on your court. Really really sucks to see them (KU) do it.”
Reactions from Jerome Tang after his first home loss to KU during his #KState tenure
“I haven’t experienced that before and it is not a good feeling. At all.” #KStateMBB pic.twitter.com/eBcF7DjoJr
— Noah Sacco (@NoahSaccoTV) January 25, 2026
This moment will be remembered when the Wildcats travel to Lawrence for the final game of the regular season.