Quick Hitters: Texas (Round Two)
The Kansas Jayhawks played one of their best games of the season last night, as they got revenge on Texas with an 85-54 win in Allen Fieldhouse. Let’s take a look at how the Jayhawks were able to get it done:
1. Getting to the foul line/ not fouling: While Texas out scored Kansas 30-13 at the free throw line during the first game between the two teams, the foul calls were essentially a non-factor last night. Kansas hit 16-of-21 shots from the line, while Texas shot a miserable 42% hitting just 8-of-19 from the charity stripe. The Longhorns wouldn’t have benefitted too much from shooting a better free throw percentage as they still would have been down 20-something, but it would have at least stopped a few of Kansas’ runs and gave the Longhorns a couple points to get them out of their eight minute shooting drought in the first half.
2. Finding seams in the Texas defense: To say that Kansas found some seams in the Longhorns defense would be an understatement. The Jayhawks not only found some seams, but they also managed to play such great defense that they were able to run the ball in transition, and we all know how scary this Kansas team can be when they get out in the open court. The Jayhawks outscored Texas 26-0 in transition, while also scoring 38 points in the paint as opposed to Texas’ 22. Kansas also shot an outstanding 51% on the night while holding the Longhorns to just 34% from the field. Needless to say, the Jayhawks’ played one of their best games of the season as they were efficient from both the offensive and defense ends of the floor last night.
3. Stopping Taylor: The tenacious Jayhawk defense was enough to shut down point guard Isaiah Taylor last night. It was crucial that Taylor wasn’t able to control this game, and the Kansas’ point guards made sure that he was a non-factor. Naadir Tharpe and Frank Mason held Taylor to just 5 points (1-of-14 from the field), four rebounds, and four assists during his 31 minutes of play, as they also made him uncomfortable facilitating Texas’ offense and getting the ball to his teammates which led to a lot of steals and fast break points for the Jayhawks.
4. Rebounding: In the first matchup between these two teams Texas out rebounded Kansas 44-37. Last night was a different story though, as Kansas pulled down 39 boards as opposed to Texas’ 37. While the extra rebounds helped Kansas get a few extra looks on the offensive end, what was more impressive was the Jayhawks’ ability to get the ball off of the defensive glass and get out in transition. Their stifling defense and quick defensive rebounding led to a 26-0 margin in transition which ultimately propelled their 30-point win and got them out to a three game lead in the Big 12 title race.
