Azubuike, Vick get starts as No. 5 Kansas dominates UNC Asheville, 95-57

No. 5 Kansas rolled through UNC Asheville, 95-57, in what was their best all-around game yet.

Led by Frank Mason III’s 21 points, the Jayhawks trounced the Bulldogs in KU’s return to Allen Fieldhouse.

After starting the game only up 19-12 with 8:45 left in the first half, Kansas ran away with the game, going on a 28-9 run to close the half. The first half was a fantastic passing display by the Jayhawks, with 14 assists on 18 field goals. Kansas’ freshmen both had a great first half, with Josh Jackson and Udoka Azubuike both dominating inside. At one point, both freshman scored on four consecutive dunks.

Mason, emerging as a National Player of the Year candidate, scored 20+ points once again. Jackson impressed as well finishing with 14 points, seven assists and four rebounds. The biggest bright spot for the Jayhawks was finally getting solid play at the center position, with Azubuike putting up a line of 17 points, three rebounds and three blocks. Lagerald Vick was the fourth and final Kansas player to score in double figures, with 15 points and nine rebounds.

As a team, the Jayhawks shot an impressive 62% from both the floor and behind the three point line. Recent struggles from the charity stripe continued, however, shooting only 38%. Rebounding wasn’t a problem in this game, as Kansas only surrendered eight offensive rebounds and won the rebounding battle by a margin of 49-23.

The Jayhawks began the game with the four-guard lineup that fans are sure to see more of. Lagerald Vick may have taken over a starting spot with Bragg’s recent struggles, and this game showed just how valuable Vick can be to the team. Udoka Azubuike earned his first career start and impressed in every aspect. Both Bragg and Lucas picked up two fouls early off the bench, giving head coach Bill Self every reason to leave the freshman in the game.

The Bulldogs never got close again, with the smallest lead Kansas had in the second half being 24 points. With the way Kansas is playing, especially with the talent they have in the backcourt, the Jayhawks may not lose another game until… a road game at Iowa State? This is one of the best teams in all of college basketball and they still are trying to work out kinks in their frontcourt.

Notes:

• Frank Mason: 21 points (8/10 FG), five assists, and five rebounds in 28 minutes. The clear leader of this Jayhawks team, Mason is quickly putting himself in the conversation for Player of the Year.
• Udoka Azubuike: 17 points (8/9 FG) and three rebounds in 23 minutes.
• Devonte’ Graham: six points (2/4 FG), six rebounds and 11 assists in 28 minutes.
• Josh Jackson: 14 points (5/11 FG), four rebounds and seven assists in 29 minutes.
• Lagerald Vick: 15 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes.
• Landen Lucas: six points and four rebounds in 12 minutes..
• Carlton Bragg: four points and five rebounds in 12 minutes.
• Svi Mykhailiuk: eight points in 24 minutes.
• Kansas made 13 of 21 threes, shooting 62%.
• Next up: Long Beach State (1-6) at home Tuesday, November 29th at 7PM on JTV/ESPN3.
• Bill Self said that Azubuike and Vick will start against Long Beach State.

Self said he'll be going with the same starting lineup for the team's next game, Tuesday vs. Long Beach State.

— Scott Chasen (@SChasenCJ) November 26, 2016