Senior night in the Phog did not disappoint, as the fans and the players brought it on Tuesday night. The Kansas Jayhawks rolled out their Seniors to start with Jankovich and Timberlake getting the start with Harris, Dickinson, and McCullar.
After a rough start with that group trailing 3-for-7, the regular starters came in and the Jayhawks took off. Going into the half, KU led 41-33. In the second half, the Jayhawks continued to attack and pushed the lead to as many as 28 points as we cruised to an easy 90-68 victory over little brother.
The defense led the way, holding K-State's two leading scorers Perry and Carter to a combined five points on 1-for-13 shooting. KU had a balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures, including three seniors. The Jayhawks beat the Wildcats for the 18th straight time at home and now own 40 consecutive wins on senior night as well.
For a season that has been up and down, it was good to send the seniors off with a big home win over our inferior in-state rivals. There is still a lot to play for, and this squad has already shown when they are on that they can beat anyone in the country.
Next up closing out the regular season with a road trip at Houston. It should be a battle and a great test to lead into postseason play. After the game, Coach Tang gave a quick fly-by down the handshake line. Always good to see our neighbors continue to be great sports when they get worked. Good luck with the NIT, K-State!
Kansas Basketball Player Ratings vs. Kansas State
Tier 1: Big Jays
1. Nicolas Timberlake
Timberlake got the start on senior night and made the most of his 23 minutes. Nicolas was the most efficient Jayhawk on the floor, going 6-of-7 from the field, including 4-for-5 from deep. He showed hustle on both sides of the floor, providing a nice spark. Timberlake finished with 18 points, one rebound, one assist, and no turnovers.
2. Kevin McCullar
Kevin continued to provide the offense that we have missed when he has been out. His all-around play is something we need to make a deep run. While he was an inefficient 5-for-14 from the field, he was able to impact the game on both sides of the floor. Kevin finished with a team-high 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block, and one turnover.
3. Hunter Dickinson
Hunter dominated the glass on his way to another double-double. While he was a tad inefficient shooting the ball going 5-for-16, he did make 5-of-6 free throws which was great to see after some recent free throw struggles. Hunter had 15 points, 20 rebounds, two assists, one steal, five blocks, and one turnover.
4. KJ Adams
KJ continues to show why he is the most versatile defender on the squad and I think in the nation. He can switch off and guard a point guard as well as handle his own against bigger centers down low. Underrated defender and ultimate hustle player whose skill set has grown this year with him bringing the ball up an being a facilitator as well. KJ had 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one turnover.