Tag Archives: Holy Cross

KU cruises past Holy Cross

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After a so-so performance in a win over Harvard last weekend, No. 2 Kansas took the court Wednesday night against Holy Cross in Allen Fieldhouse.

Led by Wayne Selden, Jr., and his 15 points, the Jayhawks easily handled Holy Cross, 92-59.

Six players scored in double figures for KU, including sharp-shooter Brannen Greene–back from a 5-game suspension–who poured in 14 points for the Jayhawks.

Greene has had his troubles while in Lawrence, having been suspended multiple times for behavioral issues causing concern that his time as a Jayhawk would end much sooner than expected, but the junior swingman and head coach Bill Self appear to have a unique relationship in that from the outside it looks like Self isn’t Greene’s biggest fan, but after each altercation, Self is always the single biggest influence on him improving his attitude and off-court decision making.

Perry Ellis (12), Frank Mason III (13), Devonte’ Graham (10), and Cheick Diallo (12) were the other Jayhawks to record double-digit point totals on the night.

Self, before Wednesday’s game, said he needed to do a better job of using his bench and finding out exactly what he has with this team. With the perimeter essentially set, the rotation of big men has become the biggest question mark.

With the availability and emergence of Diallo, the rotation of big men has become somewhat jumbled with Perry Ellis as the only for sure starter. Jamari Traylor had been the starter at the other post spot until Self opted to try out Hunter Mickelson against Holy Cross.

In 15 minutes, Mickelson took just one shot and finished with 0 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Self has always maintained it’s about who finishes and not which players start, but for the sake of getting into a rhythm to start games, figuring out that fifth starter does carry some importance moving forward.

Most feel as though Cheick Diallo should be that player, but until Self fully trusts his freshman to play both ends of the floor and stay out of foul trouble, he will use him from the bench.

Up next for the Jayhawks is a trip to the downtown Sprint Center in nearby Kansas City, Missouri.

The annually scheduled game in KC is a chance for the Jayhawks to play in front of a crowd at the high-tech arena which houses the Big 12 postseason tournament and gives fans otherwise not able to get to Lawrence, a chance to see their team take the court. Looking for tickets to see No. 2 Kansas take the floor in KC? Visit Tickets For Less and choose from a variety of seats located throughout the beautiful Sprint Center. With zero hidden service fees, the great prices you see is what you’ll get on all purchases. With Power & Light right across the street, it’s sure to be a great night for basketball. Go Jayhawks!

Kansas Defeats Harvard

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No. 4/6 Kansas took on the Harvard Crimson, Saturday, and came away with a much more difficult 75-69 win that one would have guessed prior to the game.

After leading by 15 multiple times in the first half, the Jayhawks struggled on the offensive end allowed Harvard to dictate the pace of the game, which was much slower that what KU would have liked, often times taking the ball well into the 30 second shot clock before hoisting a shot.

The slower pace and zone defense employed by head coach Tommy Amaker kept KU off balance, particularly in the second half and at one point helped the Crimson tie Kansas, 56-56, before Frank Mason III helped his team make a run and spread the game back open for good.

Mason ended the game with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting, and was by far and away the catalyst for Kansas.

For the second straight game, forward Perry Ellis seemed to be out of it, mentally. Following the win, head coach Bill Self talked about the lack of toughness and competitiveness a player who gets out of the way and lets an opponent dunk on his head on his home court. While he didn’t exactly name Ellis, it was indeed his senior forward which allowed a thunderous first-half dunk, on his head and on his home court.

In the second half, Ellis was better offensively, but otherwise struggled to really impact the game as he normally does.

Luckily for the Self, his depth in the low post can make up for one or two players which may be struggling.

In his second game as a Jayhawk, Cheick Diallo was again extremely active for Kansas. His offensive output wasn’t as impressive, but Harvard did a good job of collapsing on the freshman whenever he had the ball, and nothing easy was given up inside.

Diallo’s first basket came on a smooth elbow jumper, showing his mid-range face up game which will add to his rating in the minds of NBA scouts.

Overall , the Jayhawks made enough plays to win against a feisty and well-coached Harvard team, but certainly didn’t play their best basketball.

Self’s team will have another opportunity to take the court and improve on their play Wednesday, December 9, when they host Holy Cross in Allen Fieldhouse. Tickets are on sale now for all Kansas home games. Visit Tickets For Less and choose from a variety of seating options inside Allen Fieldhouse. 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 all the action. Go Jayhawks!