Kansas basketball: 3 takeaways from Jayhawks upset loss to UCF

UCF exposed several of KU's flaws
Jan 10, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts to a call during a game against the UCF Knights
Jan 10, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts to a call during a game against the UCF Knights / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Kansas dropped what was viewed as a sure-fire win last night, falling 65-60 to the UCF Knights in a turnover-ridden battle. The Jayhawks became the last of each top three teams to lose in the past two days, while the Knights picked up their highest-ranked win in school history in a massive statement victory.

Despite holding a 16-point lead in the first half, Kansas snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in arguably the worst performance all year. Constant turnovers and missed free throws helped UCF leave their home fans happy, storming the court after the win. The Knights' irrepressible zone defense didn't do KU too many favors, either.

Many college basketball fans claimed TCU was cheated out of a win against KU, but this time, there weren't any flagrant fouls to be called in the Jayhawks' favor. The offensive play was sloppy, and all of KU's veterans struggled down the stretch.

We are already halfway into the regular season, but the team is still looking for its identity as the year progresses. Although it is only the second game in conference play, there were plenty of lessons to be learned for Bill Self and Co. in this ugly showing.

Here are five Kansas basketball takeaways from the Jayhawks loss to UCF.