Kansas Basketball: Can KU Blow Out the Roos?

Coming off a big win against Stanford, Kansas basketball gets a final home non-power conference game against Missouri-Kansas City. Here’s what to watch for.

The Jayhawk frontline should dominate.

The UMKC Roos are very guard dominant, and only get 12 points per game from their starting big men. The Roos are undersized up front as well, with four man Kyle Steward listed at 6’7 and 190 pounds, and center Darnell Tillman at 6’8 265. Neither are scoring threats, or great rebounders. Steward averages 4.4 rebounds per game, and Tillman averages 5.3. Tillman, Steward, and freshman Duane Clark are the only big men to average more than 10 minutes per game, so depth will become an issue for Kareem Richardson’s veteran team. This provides an opportunity for the Kansas basketball team.

I’m looking for Carlton Bragg to build on the solid game against Stanford. The talented sophomore scored seven points and grabbed six rebounds in that game, his best game thus far against a high-major opponent. Hopefully, head coach Bill Self continues to try throughout the game to get Bragg in a rhythm and continue to build confidence. Landen Lucas also looked much healthier and moved better against the Cardinal. Hopefully, this carries over against the weaker UMKC fontline. If so, a double-double isn’t out of the question.

Will the Jayhawks continue their hot shooting?

Over their last three games, the Jayhawks are a scalding 39-69 (56.5%) from beyond the arc. It wouldn’t surprise me to see that trend continue against the Kangaroos. The Roos have struggled to defend all season, ranking 290^th in the country, allowing 78.3 points per game. According to KenPom.com, they rank 252^nd in adjusted (for strength of schedule) defensive efficiency, allowing over 105 points per 100 possessions.

The Roos are capable of defending the perimeter pretty well, especially since they play up to seven guards. As such, they rank 97^th in opponents three-point percentage, at 31.5%. Even with their depth in the backcourt, the Roos have nowhere near the defensive firepower to defend the Jayhawks’ vaunted guards. KU has a size and quickness advantage at every position. And yes, even Frank Mason is bigger than the Roos starting point guard. Senior Martez Harrison is listed at 5’11 and 185. There isn’t a lot UMKC will be able to do to slow down the Jayhawks.

Will KU get out and run, or work the halfcourt offense?

I’d like to see a mix of both. It’s no secret that KU’s halfcourt execution needs work, and UMKC is a good opponent to work the offense on. The Roos are small and foul a lot, at over 23 fouls called per game. Those two indicators mean that the middle and low end of the defense will be open, so the Jayhawks can run a few hi/lo sets for Lucas, Bragg, and Azubuike when he’s in the game. It also gives KU a chance to hit some more free throws in game, something they’ve struggled with so far, hitting only 59%. That’s 343^rd in the country, out of 351 teams.

On the other end of the spectrum, there should be plentiful fast break opportunities as well. UMKC turns the ball over quite a bit, almost 15 times per game, so KU should be able to turn many of those into points on the other end. The Roos two best players, guards LaVell Boyd and Martez Harrison, combine for 5.8 turnovers per game. KU’s guards should feast off them.

Bottom line.

This is an absolutely nightmarish matchup for the UMKC Kangaroos. They aren’t a great team anyway, ranked 208^th in the KenPom rankings. They also don’t have great big men, and they start undersized guards. If KU keeps a lid on their shooting, it’ll get very ugly, very quickly. Bill Self will win his 600^th game as a collegiate coach. Final score: 94-63.