Kansas basketball plays their final Allen Fieldhouse game of the season Monday night. Here are some things to know for the Jayhawks rematch with Texas
Four days after Christmas, the Kansas basketball opened Big 12 play in Austin. The Jayhawks rolled to a 92-86 win over the Longhorns thanks to a hot shooting night from beyond the arc. Bill Self’s guys hit 17 three pointers in that first meeting on 48 percent shooting. They hit 11 three pointers in the second half to overwhelm the ‘Horns.
As a matter of fact, Devonte Graham hit 6 three-pointers and led the all scorers with 23 points in that December battle. Svi Mykhailiuk and Lagerald Vick each hit 5 from long range. The Jayhawks won but didn’t play much defense. They also gave up 23 second chance points.
The Jayhawk backcourt put up a show in that first game but the best show was in the paint. Udoka Azubuike got off to a slow start against the Longhorns talented freshman Mohamad Bamba. Dok played him even the rest of the way and finished with a double-double. The sophomore’s 13 points and 13 rebounds were just as valuable as the rain of Jayhawk 3 pointers. The two big men will put on another good show Monday night.
Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the Longhorns
Date: February 26
Time: 8 p.m. CST
Location: Lawrence
Venue: Allen Fieldhouse
Television: ESPN
Streaming: Watch ESPN
Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network
Keys to victory
The biggest concern going into Monday night’s game is how the team will play following the emotional victory Saturday. Will there be a slight letdown after the team clinched a share of a 14th straight conference title? Hall of Fame coach Bill Self will know how to motivate his team. They will be primed for a big Senior Night.
Next: Remembering 3 Jayhawks seniors
The Jayhawks are a better defensive team than the team that gave up 86 points to the Longhorns in December. Texas hit just 6 three point shots in Saturdays one point win over Oklahoma State. They Jayhawks can’t expect to hit 17 threes in this rematch. With a good defensive effort and playing offense through Dok, the Jayhawks will send the Longhorns back to Texas with their 10th conference loss of the season.