Kansas basketball: Malik Newman outshoots Cowboys
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team moved into the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament. The Jayhawks got some revenge with 82-68 victory over Oklahoma State.
Kansas basketball fans were disappointed with Wednesday’s news that Udoka Azubuike would not play in this weekend’s Big 12 tournament. His Jayhawk teammates picked up the slack for the 7-foot center. The Jayhawks made big plays and earned some revenge over the Cowboys to advance to Friday’s semifinals.
As a matter of fact, every member of Bill Self’s team contributed to the team’s first Sprint Center victory since December of 2016. Malik Newman and Lagerald Vick led the way in this one. Their performances took some pressure off Big 12 Player of the Year Devonte Graham on a day he need the help.
Newman, the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, was on fire early. The red-shirt sophomore had his biggest offensive game since scoring 27 against Iowa State. Newman’s 30 points Thursday came on an amazing 11 of 15 shooting. He attacked the basket and hit 4 of 6 from beyond the arc in 36 minutes of action. Vick was more active on both ends of the court. The junior scored 11 second half points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
In the paint Mitch Lighfoot and Silvio De Sousa did exactly what the Jayhawks needed. They played aggressive defense and crashed the glass. The duo combined for 14 points and 14 rebounds. The freshman grabbed eight of those boards.
Seniors Graham and Svi Mykhailiuk did what they always do. Graham didn’t have to give his best performance. He guided the ship, scored in double figures and dished 9 assists in 39 minutes. His defense made up for any miscues. Svi contributed 13 points and made a number of timely plays down the stretch.
This Jayhawk team knows how to win.
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This Kansas basketball team is not perfect. However, when they play good defense and are dialed in mentally, they are one of the nation’s best teams. They Jayhawks miss Dok but have more than enough to win this Big 12 tournament. Coach Self will have them ready for Sunflower Showdown part 3.