Kansas basketball: Jalen Wilson, Christian Braun excite from the 3-point line in double-digit win over #7 West Virginia
Sophomore guards Jalen Wilson and Christian Braun found success from the perimeter Tuesday night, helping Kansas basketball find their second conference win of the season.
Kansas basketball has been catching fire lately and last night’s win over the #7 Mountaineers was another re-assuring victory for Jayhawk fans. A key factor for Kansas’ win was their excellent presentation from the 3-point line, finishing the game at 43.2% from the key.
Consistency from the outside was something we were going to need from the Jayhawks and I think it’s safe to say Kansas found a decent rhythm between Jalen Wilson and Christian Braun.
Braun would lead the Jayhawks in scoring with 22 total points, going 6-12 from the perimeter. The sophomore was very confident with the ball and seemed to do what he could to get it back into his hands, as he had 4 rebounds of his own vs. West Virginia.
The baskets would pile on for the Jayhawks, as Jalen Wilson would help contribute 17 points and 4 solid shots from 3-point range. Wilson became a more dynamic threat in the second half following WVU’s Miles McBride’s foul trouble, allowing the guard to have more space.
The exciting offensive seen by these two was accompanied by a consistent defense led by David McCormack who would find 5 defensive rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. It’s a great sign to see Dave stepping up and getting some action as a leader on this starting five.
The defensive support helped allow for Kansas to establish an offensive attack that would finish the night with a 14 point win despite trailing at the half. Kansas started hot and remained competitive, out-lasting West Virginia in the second half.
This has been some very solid basketball lately for Kansas and it should only signal for more interesting conference matchups. The program on everyone’s minds is most likely Baylor, as the Bears stand above the Jayhawks by one ranking in the latest AP poll.
Despite the elephant in the room, Kansas won’t meet the Bears until January 18th and until then will have a lineup of unranked conference opponents. This will surely give Kansas more time to compete in their conference and take on a road test against Oklahoma State.