Kansas basketball: Reasons to smile after Sprint Center setback
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team suffered their first loss of the season Wednesday night. Despite the 74-65 setback there are reasons to smile.
It was difficult to watch the portions of the second half of Wednesday night’s Kansas basketball game. Jayhawk fans have seen Bill Self’s teams go through slumps and slow starts in games. As a matter of fact, it happens every season and the Jayhawks always wake up, make a couple of big plays on defense and come away with a win.
Midway through the second half, the Jayhawks finally found the basket consistently. They hit 5 of 6 shots including another dunk from Azubuike to pull to within one 53-52. At that moment, most Kansas basketball fans expected Devonte Graham and the Jayhawks to take over and walk away with another gritty win.
As a matter of fact, the Huskies went on an 11-2 run to quiet the Sprint Center crowd. The Jayhawks never made another significant run. The team wasted a career night from Lagerald Vick. The junior from Memphis tried, but couldn’t do it all on a cold shooting night for his teammates.
Despite the loss, there are reasons to smile. The sun did come up Thursday morning. It is only December and this team is going to improve. The Jayhawks are 7-1. They had the exact same record after 8 games the past four seasons.
I’m glad they lost this game away from Allen Fieldhouse. I don’t like when the Jayhawks play the December games at Sprint Center. On the other hand, they didn’t ask for my permission. I think the outcome would have been different if the Huskies played at the fieldhouse.
More reasons to smile
In addition, I’m glad Wednesday was not a Big 12 conference game. We know the team will lose a game or two each season. I was stunned when the Jayhawks lost the season opener a year ago in Hawaii. I was glad they lost that one and not a conference game.
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The Jayhawks are healthy. Hall of Fame coach Bill Self used 8 players against the Huskies. Except for damaged pride, they all finished the game free from injury. They can rest and prepare for Sunday’s game. I hope they take out their frustration on Arizona State.