Kansas basketball advances to Round of 32 with win over Howard

Kansas took care of business in what should be their least challenging test during the NCAA Tournament.

The Kansas Jayhawks have not lost in the first round of March Madness since 2006, and that streak extended today. Norm Roberts’ team comfortably defeated 16-seeded Howard 96-68 to open the West region.

Jalen Wilson was the leading scorer for Kansas, dropping 20 on 8-16 shooting. In the first tourney game of Gradey Dick’s young career, the freshman phenom scored 19 and had a career-high 11 rebounds to record his first-ever double-double. Dick also hit three treys, giving him the KU freshman three-point record over previous holder Jeff Boschee.

Dajuan Harris out-dueled opposing point guard Elijah Hawkins, scoring 11 points and dropping seven dimes. He proved why he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year with his four steals. Ernest Udeh Jr. and KJ Adams were the beneficiaries of the several alley-oop passes he threw their way.

Kevin McCullar returned after he missed the Big 12 title game against Texas due to lingering back spasms. He looked to be back at full strength, scoring 10 points while grabbing seven rebounds.

Kansas forced 18 turnovers on Howard’s side with their suffocating defense. The Bison hit some of their shots early, but they could not handle the press and panicked under pressure. They shot just 38.8% as a team.

Joseph Yesufu and Udeh both scored 8 points off the bench, taking advantage of their increased opportunity. We also saw late-game appearances by Zuby Ejiofor and Zach Clemence, who rarely see the court.

KU was just a few points from matching the score of the two schools’ previous tournament meeting in 1992 when the Jayhawks came out on top 100-67.

With the win, Kansas will advance to the Round of 32. They will play the winner of the 8/9 matchup between Illinois and Arkansas. Both of those schools will be a mighty obstacle to overcome.

The hope is that Bill Self will return this weekend, but nothing is set in stone. Norm Roberts might have to continue as the team’s interim head coach if Self’s health does not improve.