Kansas basketball: Jayhawks overpower UMKC behind exceptional play of Kevin McCullar

Kansas basketball comfortably defeated UMKC behind a strong performance by Kevin McCullar. Now, the team sets its sights on the Border Showdown.

There was never really a time that UMKC looked to be threatening Kansas basketball in the Jayhawks’ 88-69 win tonight. It was an adequate performance for a team likely looking ahead to Mizzou.

KU led 29-11 halfway through the first quarter and never looked back. Roos guard Cameron Faas couldn’t miss from beyond the arc, which is one of the only reasons the final score looks as close as it does.

Kevin McCullar impressed once again, dropping in 25 points while grabbing six rebounds and assisting five baskets. His 2023-24 slash line is up to 19.2/6.9/5.1 as his breakout season continues.

Hunter Dickinson posted another double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. KJ Adams did a little bit of everything with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, seven rebounds, and six assists. The bench also contributed with 10 points from Johnny Furphy and five from Parker Braun.

Kansas basketball shot 54.1% from the field (33-of-61) and 40% on 3-point attempts (8-of-20). They turned the ball over seven times and assisted 23 baskets. UMKC matched them in the rebounding department with 36 to KU’s 37.

Kansas now sits at 8-1 with victories over the likes of Kentucky, Tennessee, and UConn. They jumped three spots from No. 5 to No. 2 in the most recent AP Top 25.

Unfortunately, there is a shortage of games across the next month. There are only four more nonconference meetings for the Jayhawks this season and each game is no less than six days apart. Conference play begins on Jan. 6 when TCU travels to Allen Fieldhouse.

The next time Kansas will be in action is this Saturday at 4:15 p.m. CT when the team faces off against Mizzou in Allen Fieldhouse. Last year, the Jayhawks defeated the Tigers 95-67 in Columbia. At halftime, the university is retiring Thomas Robinson’s jersey.