For whatever the reason, the Kansas Jayhawks seem to struggle inside Kansas City’s Sprint Center, more than they dominate.
While the Jayhawks typically come away with a victory, they don’t come with ease, and Saturday’s game against the Pac 12’s Oregon State was no different.
After a dreadful first half in which Kansas couldn’t seem to find any offensive rhythm against almost strictly a zone defense by the Beavers, and Oregon State knocking down three-pointers left and right, the halftime break came with Bill Self’s squad down 11.
The almost capacity crowd of more than 18,000 (18,612 to be exact) Kansas fans in attendance was more annoyed than they were shocked. It was almost as if the majority knew the Jayhawks would come out with a different energy in the second half, but why did it need to come to that?
This is a question that has been asked time after time with KU.
Obviously a much better club than their opponent, Kansas comes out looking slightly lethargic and almost disinterested in the game until the lead reaches 10-plus points and the team wakes up, usually following a colorful and poignant talking to by Bill Self.
Saturday was exactly that. the Jayhawks came out in the second half and immediately began attacking on the offensive end. In one spurt, Wayne Selden, Jr., knocked down a long three to bring KU within three points, then followed a steal by Devonte’ Graham with another three in stride, tying the game up and eventually leading to KU taking the lead for good.
Selden finished with a game-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, and 5-of-8 from three-point range.
Four Jayhawks in total scored at least 1o points, Frank Mason III (18), Perry Ellis (13), and Devonte’ Graham (10).
Oddly enough, Kansas is the No. 2 three-point scoring team in the country and third overall in points scored. After hitting 43-percent from behind the arc on Saturday, the Jayhawks are just behind fellow Big 12 member Oklahoma in outside shooting at 46-percent overall for the season.
Recently, Bill Self has struggled to find consistent success from the three-point line, but offensively, it has made the different for the Jayhawks, especially the few times they have found themselves behind in a game.
Next up for Kansas is a home match up against 3-5 Montana, Saturday, December 19 in Allen Fieldhouse. The tip is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., as KU looks for a 9-1 start to the season heading into a tough matchup against San Diego State on the 22nd before heading into Christmas break. Tickets for each and every home game at Allen Fieldhouse are on sale now at Tickets For Less. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get on all ticket purchases. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the Jayhawks take the court in the cathedral of college hoops. Tickets to a Kansas home game make a perfect gift for family or friends, so get yours today. Go Jayhawks!