KU Has Big Second Half, Beats Oregon State

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!

KU cruises past Holy Cross

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!