The Kansas Jayhawks had a perfect season going at home and a 19-game winning streak tied for third in the nation, just one game back of being tied for the most. That streak is gone at the hands of the BYU Cougars as the Jayhawks fell 76-68.
KU led for the first 35 minutes but couldn't get it done down the stretch. They were an abysmal 3-for-15 from 3-point range and 19-for-31 from the free throw line. Hunter Dickinson went 6-for-15 from the charity stripe, and missing free throws was a big reason we lost this game.
The Cougars, who like to let it fly from deep, went 13-for-34 from three but caught fire late that put away the Jayhawks. KU played without Kevin McCullar again while he dealt with a bone bruise in his knee. The Jayhawks have shown that they play with fire all year with close games, and tonight got burnt.
The reality is this team was not going to claim a share of the Big 12 title, and this loss does not mean much in the grand scheme of things. With the slim bench, a big run in the Big 12 tourney is not in our best interest for the NCAA tourney either, as we will want guys fresh.
When healthy, this team has proven it can beat anyone in the country, including three of the top five ranked teams currently in Houston, UConn, and Tennessee. Ultimately, this team will be judged if it can get hot in March and make a Final Four run or better. This team is capable of beating anyone or losing to anyone on a given night.
Kansas Basketball Player Ratings vs. BYU
Tier 1: Big Jays
1. Johnny Furphy
Johnny looked like a pro most of the nigh. His basketball IQ is beyond his years as he plays with and without the ball off his teammates. Johnny steals extra possessions and has become one of if not our best rebounders. Furphy struggled from deep but did everything else well as he battled through foul trouble midway through the first half on. Johnny had 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steals, and no turnovers.