(LAWRENCE, KAN.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (Sixth District – Alabama) are putting their states’ cuisine – and bragging rights – on the line as the University of Kansas men’s basketball team prepares to take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham Friday night in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

“It is highly unusual to accept bets so early in the tournament,” Moore said. “I usually wait for the Final Four. However, I recognize the impetuousness of a program new to the Sweet Sixteen and decided to make an exception for my friend from Alabama.”

Bachus responded to Moore’s statement by saying, “Even though Dennis usually waits to place a wager until the Final Four, he won’t have to wait this year because the Jayhawks won’t be there. UAB is on a roll,” said Bachus.

The bet between the two members of Congress calls for Bachus to provide Alabama’s famous Johnny Ray’s Barbeque Chocolate Pies and Royal Cup Coffee when the Jayhawks beat UAB. In the unlikely event that the Blazers are victorious, Moore is wagering Jack Stack Barbeque pork burnt ends and a jug of their KC Original BBQ Sauce.

“After the Jayhawks dispose with UAB's so-called ‘40 minutes of hell,’ that chocolate pie will taste like heaven,” Moore said. “Not only do the Jayhawks dominate on the basketball court, Kansas University has the best graduation rate of the 16 teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament. I hope you will join the rest of America in rooting for the Jayhawks as they advance under the refreshing leadership of Coach Bill Self.”

Moore is a 1967 graduate of the University of Kansas. Moore and Bachus represent KU and UAB respectively in the U.S. House of Representatives.