The Kansas basketball team shook off any residual lethargy from their loss on Saturday to beat the Houston Cougars on Monday, 69-56. It was a well-rounded team win that gives KU a glimmer of hope they might still salvage a slice of the Big 12 regular season title.
The Jayhawks played a great game defensively, holding Houston to just 31.8 percent shooting from the field. The Cougars connected on only 20.8 percent of their 24 three-point attempts.
Kansas recorded five blocked shots, including three from Bryson Tiller, two from Flory Budunga, and another from Elmarko Jackson. Melvin Council Jr., Tre White, and Jamari McDowell all contributed a steal each to the cause, making this a true team defensive effort.
The Kansas Jayhawks continue to be one of the best defensive teams in the Big 12
The performance against Houston is nothing new for this Kansas basketball team. KU holds Big 12 opponents to just 40.1 percent shooting from the field, good for second best in the conference. The Jayhawks rank fifth in the Big 12 by allowing opponents to shoot 33.7 percent from beyond the arc.
They rank well nationally as well. Opponents complete 38.5 percent of all shots from the field, ranking KU fifth. The Jayhawks allow just 29.8 percent of all three-pointers attempted against them to be successful. That number ranks them 17th nationally.
One player stands out for KU on defense, though everyone who sees meaningful minutes is good defensively. Flory Bidunga leads the Big 12 with 2.8 blocks a game, but it is his ability to restrict guards on the perimeter that often causes issues. Bidunga's length, quickness, and athleticism allow him to switch on the perimeter and take on a high-scoring guard.
It is a rare luxury to have a premier rim protector who can also handle guards one-on-one on the perimeter. Bidunga is that kind of player. It is difficult to imagine many defenders at any position that have a bigger impact on a game than Bidunga does. Self just needs to remember that Bidunga has cut the coach off from giving too many hugs.
It also helps that Kansas is good at getting their hands into passing lanes, quick to strip the ball if offensive players don't protect it well enough, and they have more than one rim protector. Bryson Tiller compliments Bidunga with 1.5 blocks per game of his own.
The KU defense, when focused, is disruptive and intense. Head coach Bill Self has always loved his defense, but this is his best defensive team in several years. They don't mind getting after it.
Kansas will need this aspect of their game to continue to be a strength as the season pushes into March. KU hasn't yet reached its full potential, but a strong, consistent defense could push them deep into their postseason tournaments.
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