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Kansas basketball: Jayhawks advance to Maui Invitational championship

By Dylan Morrell

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks watches the action from the sideline during the first half against the BYU Cougars at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 26, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks watches the action from the sideline during the first half against the BYU Cougars at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 26, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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The Jayhawks took down BYU 71-56 behind a huge second half. Now, Kansas basketball has a chance to win the Maui Invitational tomorrow afternoon against Dayton.

Kansas basketball vs. Dayton at a glance:

Time: 4:00 PM (CT)

Place: Lahaina Civic Center – Lahaina, HI

Watch: ESPN

Listen: FM- KKSW 105.9, or AM- KLWN 1320 (Lawrence Stations)

All-Time Series: 1-1

Last Meeting: 2009, 60-43 Kansas

Full Preview: Guide to the Maui Jim Maui Invitational

Kansas basketball and BYU played the first half their matchup at an extremely fast pace. The Jayhawks went into halftime with a slim 29-27 lead, and the game actually felt like Kansas should be losing.

After halftime, the Kansas offense exploded for 42 points in the second half, which was the nail in the coffin for the Cougars.

Udoka Azubuike finished with another double-double, totaling 11 points and 10 rebounds. David McCormack was the high scorer for Kansas, as he contributed 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting. This game was won by the Jayhawks’ defense though.

The Kansas defense held BYU to just 9-of-33 from behind the three-point line, which proved to be the difference in the game. The way the defense played tonight was encouraging moving down the road, especially since the shots weren’t falling in the first half.

Now, that the Jayhawks made it past BYU, they’ll take on Dayton at 4:00 PM (CT) this afternoon.

When it comes to stopping Dayton, it’s imperative that you find an answer for sophomore Obi Toppin, who picked up 24 points yesterday against Virginia Tech. Toppin shot 10-of-14 last night and absolutely buried the Hokies who looked totally overwhelmed.

Overall, the Flyers were 35-of-55 from the field and 11-of-24 from behind the arc. The Jayhawks will have to bring their excellent defense again this afternoon if they’re going to get a win over Dayton.

One area the Jayhawks could exploit is the Dayton three-point defense. The Flyers defensive three-point percentage is ranked #298 in college basketball, so the Jayhawks should look to fire away from deep range.

Also. Guide to the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. light

The Jayhawks have a great opportunity this afternoon to pick up a quality win and take home the Maui Invitational championship. Sure, Dayton is no Michigan State, but the Flyers are still a respectable squad that will more than likely be a tournament team.

This is a game Kansas basketball should win, but it’s going to take a team effort. Legs will be tired, shots might go flat, so look for guys to step up.

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