Kansas basketball: Harris, McCullar propel Jayhawks to victory over WVU

Kansas basketball

Kansas was able to pull out of their game against West Virginia victorious, albeit in a very unimpressive performance. After nearly blowing the game with some errant decisions down the stretch, KU’s defensive stand in the final seconds allowed them to win 76-74. The winning streak has been extended to six games.

There were some positives to come out of this performance. All starters finished in double figures, which could be attributed to the fact that they all played more than 35 minutes. Still, Dajuan Harris had a career game, Kevin McCullar was fantastic, and Gradey Dick sunk 5 threes after struggling in his past two games.

Harris was the X-factor for Kansas in this contest, scoring 17 points on 7-9 shooting. More impressively, he recorded a career-high 6 steals to go along with 6 assists. Harris’ presence as a true point guard for KU has been a boon for Bill Self’s offense. The improvements he has made since last year have been astronomical.

Some questionable refereeing took place, with six offensive fouls being called on KU in just the first half. The crowd who claims that Kansas receives favorable officiating in Allen Fieldhouse must have been very quiet this game.

The Jayhawks ten three-pointers made were the catalyst to victory. A magical bank shot three from Kevin McCullar had everyone in Allen Fieldhouse standing on their feet.

KU had its struggles, but a 30-point blowout victory counts the same in the standings as a last-second nailbiter. Kansas also received some help from fellow Big 12 foe, Baylor, when they took down the Texas Longhorns. After Saturday’s loaded slate of games, Kansas now sits atop the Big 12 conference.

Bill Self and company now control their destiny in the Big 12. The final two games are at home against Texas Tech and on the road versus Texas in the season finale. In what should be an exciting end to the year, a win in any of their final two meetings guarantees at least a share of the regular season title.